Volume 3

Issue 1

2019

ISSN - 2515-5725

Published by Captive and Field The Captive and Field Herpetological journal is an open access peer-reviewed online journal which aims to better understand herpetology by publishing observational notes both in and ex-situ. Natural history notes, breeding observations, husbandry notes are all examples of the articles featured within C&F Herpetological journals. Each issue will feature one literature or book review in an effort to resurface past literature and ignite new research ideas.

For upcoming issues we are particularly interested in articles demonstrating:

• Conflict between herpetofauna and humans, specifically venomous

• Herpetofauna behaviour in human-disturbed

• Unusual in-situ behaviour of captive

For submission guidelines visit: www.captiveandfieldherpetology.com

Or contact us via: [email protected]

Front cover image: Viperine (Natrix maura), Portugal, John Benjamin Owens Editorial Team

Chief Editor Website: www.captiveandfieldherpetology.com

John Benjamin Owens Email: [email protected] Wales, United Kingdom [email protected] For print versions of the journal please contact us via the email address provided.

Reviewers

Ben Marshall Bangor University [email protected]

James Hicks Nottingham University [email protected]

Kimberley Carter Oxford University [email protected]

Dr Stuart Graham Amey plc [email protected]

Tom Major Bangor University [email protected]

Vishal Santra Simultala Conservationists, West Bengal [email protected]

Website Design, Graphics & Social Media

John Benjamin Owens Wales, United Kingdom [email protected]

Steve Allain (Twitter) Cambridge and Peterborough and Group (CPARG) [email protected] Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1

Volume 3 Issue 1 2019

Index:

Field Report:

Greece Lightning! Herping Athen and Milos Kimberley Carter……………………………………………………………………………………….1

Captive Notes:

Dissection of a grandis (Gray, 1845): identifying cause of death in a rare captive M.E. Landry Green……………………………………………………………………………………10

First Record of Intraspecific Oophagy in the Common Leaf-tailed Uroplatus fimbriatus (SCHNEIDER, 1797) Oliver K. E. Cunningham & Steven J. R. Allain……………………………………………………..19

An Instance of Dermatophagy in Captive Floodplain Death Adders hawkei (Wells & Wellington, 1985) Scott Eipper & Tyese Eipper………………………………………………………………………….22

Field Notes:

Aggregation behaviour in the common blunt-headed tree snake (Imantodes cenchoa; Linnaeus, 1758) Oliver Thomas…………………………………………………………………………………..……23

Length record and regurgitation contents of a sunbeam snake (Xenopeltis unicolor; Reinwardt, 1827) in Northeastern Thailand Adam J. Aslam……………………………………………………………………………………….26

Notes of Phyllodactylus palmeus (Dixon, 1968) (; ); A Case of Diurnal Refuge Co- inhabitancy with Centruoides gracilis (Latreille, 1804) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) on Utila Island, Honduras Tom Brown & Cristina Arrivillaga……………………………………………………………………29

An Annotated Checklist of the Herpetofauna of Cikananga Wildlife Centre, Sukabumi, West , Inodonesia Nathan Rusli & Arfah Nasution………………………………………………………………………34

Behavioral Ecology of the Indian flapshell turtle Lissemys punctata andersonii (Webb, 1980) in West Bengal, . Anweshan Patra……………………………………………………………………………………….50

Fowl Play: A failed predation attempt of an adult Turkey Meleagris gallopavo (Linneaus, 1758) (Chordata; Phasianidae) by Boa imperator (Daudin, 1803) (Squamata; Boidae) in Cayo District, Belize Tom W. Brown………………………………………………………………………………………..55

Ingestion of a Discarded Foam Ear Plug by a Wild Lesser Black Whip Snake (Demansia vestigiata; De Vis, 1884) in Central Province, Papua New Guinea Tom Charlton………………………………………………………………………………………….60

Literature Review: Book review – King Cobra: Natural History and Captive Management Richard Southworth………………………………………………………………………………..…62 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1

Greece Lightning! Herping Athens and Milos

Kimberley Carter

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Herping into the unknown movie, we drove to our hotel in Porto Rafti, on the East side of Greece . All herping for the Mainland Greece and it’s surrounding islands night was abandoned forced by hunger, pizza has one of the richest diversity of and and the rain pouring down. Even on the in Europe with around 90 sheltered balcony there was not a gecko in amphibian and reptile including many sight! rare and endangered species such as the loggerhead turtle, the Karpathos marsh 1st October - The big climb and the Milos viper (Uetz et al. 2018). The morning revealed not only the damage and From 30th September to 7th October a group of water left over from the storm but also some Bangor University herpers went to Milos for amazing views and ideal ! The weather the wedding of equally reptile-crazy friends, was still not on our side but we headed off with a detour in Athens and plenty of herping undiscouraged in the drizzly grey, to a rocky thrown in. Our group had little experience hillside on the other side of the bay that looked herping in mainland Greece or the island of promising. The rocks being volcanic were Milos, but with a list of the species found in rough and jagged, great for getting a good grip our areas and online research at our disposal, underfoot but not great on the hands! The we targeted our search primarily for the Milos plants didn’t help either- nearly every plant had viper Macrovipera schweizeri. With no real spines. The habitat was typical Mediterranean plan or field sites in mind we enjoyed the scrubland; small, low-lying shrubs with small, puzzle and reward of testing our “good- leathery leaves with thick cuticles, and often habitat” identification skills. We largely relied needles. A vast array of different lichen on identified habitat from satellite images and covered nearly every surface and the air was spotting promising sites from the car. This filled with the aromatic smell of thyme and report consists of day by day accounts and field oregano. observation of the places we visited and the amphibians and reptiles found at each. Although there was plenty of evidence of tortoises from their droppings, it took a long 30th September - A slow start time before we had a sighting of the first herp of the trip - although brief! A small break in the After taking an afternoon flight from clouds brought out a Dahl’s whip snake Manchester, we didn’t arrive into Athens until (Platyceps najadum) that quickly disappeared the evening, where we were welcomed by rain, into the vegetation and rocks. After further lots of rain! Greece had been hit by gale-force climbing to reach the top of the hill we were winds of up to 62mph slamming into the met with stunning views but still no reptiles, country from the west from a medicane – a although plenty of interesting spiders and small combination of the words Mediterranean and mantids, and so decided to head down to visit hurricane –from the Ionian Sea southwest of the hillside across the valley that was now mainland Greek. After finding the shuttle bus receiving a good dose of sunlight. Only after to deliver us to the hire car office, down built- risking life and limb (and pride) scaling down up streets and then a lane straight from a horror the jagged hillside and spiky bushes, did the

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Figures 1a-d. (Top-bottom left-right) Chalcides ocellatus, Malpolon insignitus, Vipera ammodytes, Testudo marginata. sun break properly on our side, bringing an After lunch we headed west to a hillside over- almost immediate change! In a piece of looking Athens where previous herp groups wasteland at the back of some houses, littered had reported horned vipers (Vipera ammodytes) with junk (refugia, yay!), in rapid succession (fig. 1c) and marginated tortoises (Testudo we saw 4 reptiles in the space of around 10 marginata) (fig. 1d). The habitat rarely altered minutes. The first being another Dahl’s whip from the aromatic, low-lying scrubs and lichen snake, a small juvenile that fled into a rock covered rocks, although there were a few more pile, two Ocellated skinks (Chalcides trees and more evidence of people, being so ocellatus) (fig.1a), a juvenile and an adult both close to civilisation and farmland. We quickly found under flipped rocks and a beat-up found one of the target species, a T. marginata looking Eastern Montpellier Snake (Malpolon found out in the open amongst the vegetation, insignitus) (fig. 1b) found at the edge of a pile distinctive with their flared supracauda scutes. of branches. Followed by the other target V. ammodytes, a

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Figure 2a-d. (Top-bottom left-right) Platyceps najadum, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Telescopus fallax, Macrovipera schweizeri. juvenile only measuring ≈10cm long, found on exposing the bone beneath their scutes, a result a rock with an over-hanging rock giving cover of old-age and fighting in the males. The from above. Further searching around the site female in particular, had lost most of the dark found more T. marginata, either basking in the pattern on her scutes. Heading back to the open or moving along the gravel access road. hotel, on the curb of a shopping centre car Of the dozen tortoises we saw, all were adults park, we had our first gecko of the trip (no and only one was a female. Many of the surprise!) a Turkish Gecko ( tortoises we found in this area had chips turcicus).

2nd October - Athens to Milos return to the wasteland site and nearby fields revealed some more interesting finds: two P. Before checking out and heading to the airport najadum, one basking on a dry-stone wall and for the next leg of our trip in Milos, a quick another underneath corrugated roofing sheets,

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Figure 3a-b. (top-bottom) Mediodactylus kotschyi, Podarcis milensis

along with 10+ H. turcicus and snake eyed found by the many stray cats around the skinks (Ablepharus kitaibelii) moving amongst building. A few were rescued but unfortunately the fallen pine needles. The habitat in this area this was a reoccurring theme during the rest of was a more cultivated, and was either farmed our stay on Milos. Travelling from the airport land not in use or rocky fields, broken into long to the hotel in Pollonia, we spied some rectangle plots down a slope by dry stone promising looking habitat from the side of the walls. road. The small, charming town of Pollonia, located right on the water is a beautiful place, A very short flight to Milos later and exiting thoroughly enjoyable for the holiday side of the small, propeller plane we immediately saw this trip. It has great restaurants, friendly Milos wall (Podarcis milensis), running people and excellent natural pools for around the dry grass next to drainage ditches snorkelling. It was, however, lacking in reptiles on the runway. Even more were found on the apart from P. milensis. walls of the airport building, but sadly also

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Figure 4a-b. (top-bottom) Telescopus fallax, Lacerta trilineata

With that in mind we headed back to the juvenile cat snake (T. fallax) found under a potential sight spotted earlier in search of cat rock. After photographing and releasing the snakes (Telescopus fallax), Leopard snakes snake, the group split up and searched both (Zamenis situla) and the target of the trip, sides of the valley. Driven by tiredness and Milos vipers (M. schweizeri). The site in reluctance to lose more of my blood to the question was a rocky valley leading down onto spikey plants, I surveyed the perimeter of the ploughed farmland; the terrain was still just as farmland. At the edges of the mud field, dry difficult, with the same rough rocks and sharp plants, straw and tubing was thrown in piles. plants as before. The valley was a particular On these and likewise on the rocks up the interest to the lichen expert of the group; with valley, we found Kotschy's gecko huge diversity caused by humid air that comes (Mediodactylus kotschyi) - distinctive from H. into the valley from the nearby sea. Just as the turcicus because they lack adhesive pads on sun started to set we got our first snake, a their toes. Hope of finding a Milos viper was

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Figure 5. Macrovipera schweizeri diminishing fast, when a large viper cruised group also surveying the edge of the farmland, across the path of my torch beam heading from another M. schweizeri was found, just off the the farmland towards a patch of scrub and tree. field moving between the scrubs. Success! With no snake hook and the rest of the group Interestingly while heading back up to the car up the valley side, it unfortunately disappeared we found H. turcicus on exposed rock close to into the vegetation! We were in luck though the road, living alongside M. kotschyi. because only 15 mins later and the rest of the

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3rd October – In search of distinct endemic taxon, so the small, scattered populations on this island are incredibly rare. In the morning we returned to the previous The site consisted of riparian habitat; a large night’s site and didn’t see much, more P. lake with rocky hills surrounding it from one milensis basking or running on top of the side, with dried river beds leading down from rocks. Taking a picture without a powerful lens the hillside. There were more open gravel (or a lot of patience to sneak up) was difficult spaces and larger boulders than the previous as they wouldn’t let you within 2m. In the sites. Upon arrival, we walked down a path afternoon we met up with more reptile and leading past a small church and sparse amphibian enthusiasts and headed to a lake, woodland to the get to the rocky hillside and where there were possible but unconfirmed lake. Sadly, we found a dead M. schweizeri Milos water frogs (Pelophylax cf. exposed in the open, that appeared like it had kurtmuelleri). The taxonomic status of this been hit on the head. Although horrible to see a species is not fully clear, and it may represent a dead viper, it did confirm they were there.

Figure 6a-b. (top-bottom) Pelophylax cf. kurtmuelleri, Macrovipera schweizeri

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After hours of searching the only reptiles we heard frog calls but the source could not be saw were M. kotschyi which are mainly found. A stop at a patch of salt farms near the nocturnal but at cooler times of year they are airport in search of the elusive P. cf. often active in the day. Some of the group kurtmuelleri found nothing either.

4th October - Friends in high places for us, negotiating down the big boulders and dried up waterfalls in the dark! Eager to return to the riparian site we set off straight after breakfast; our aim was to walk up the dried river bed to check the small 5th October – When in Greece groupings of trees dotted along it for M. schweizeri, which are known to wait in trees in This was a long-needed “tourist” day spent ambush for birds during their autumn enjoying the sun, amazing food, snorkelling in migration (Adamopoulou et al., 1997; Nilson the sea and visiting Tripiti and its catacombs. et al., 1999). On our way up the riverbed we found the usual suspects of M. kotschyi and P. milensis, a common site on the rocks. On a 6th October – The main event slightly flatter part of the riverbed further up the hillside a large T. fallax was spotted; The day had come for the big event - the spread-out basking on the bordering dry stone wedding! But being herpers of course there walls. Although usually nocturnal this was a last ditch effort in search of the rare P. cf. individual was found mid-morning in broad kurtmuelleri and any other herps we could find. sunlight. It wasn’t long before we had our next The other group of herpers had discovered a snake, a M. schweizeri found curled in a small site the night before that had a small population hollow along the riverbed, positioned of the water frogs. We finally found them! immediately next to a small puddle left over What we didn’t expect was to find a M. from the medicane. It was a perfect ambush schweizeri under some plastic sheet in a spot to prey on birds landing for a drink! One sunken hollow near farmland, not far from the the way down the riverbed a Balkan Green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) was found small drainage ditch the frogs were found in. cryptically basking within a scrub – a nice Seven frogs were counted in the small patch of brightly coloured, big lizard to even get the water and surrounding clay bank - which could snake-lovers interested. A return to the site in well be the entire adult population on the the evening proved unsuccessful for herps (just island! the usual M. kotschyi), and almost disastrous and P. milensis but unfortunately no more 7th October - Flying home snakes.

The time had come to say goodbye to this Although finding a modest number of species fantastic island. Before heading to the airport in total we found our targets for the trip and and our onward journey to Athens and saw a few interesting behaviours. Our research Manchester, we made one last stop to see the P. before the trip suggested that M. schweizeri cf. kurtmuelleri (only 5 adults this time) and were most common in the West of the island, the M. schweizeri, which hadn’t moved from undisturbed by tourists due to the poor roads the crack in the mud under the plastic sheet. A and infrastructure (Nilson et al., 1999). From further search around the farmland and its piles our observations I believe Milos vipers, of sheeting and junk found more M. kotschyi although rare, are a lot more widespread and adaptable than previously thought, seeming to

Page 8 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 favour habitats, either rural or near agriculture that provide a source of water and in turn prey. Athens and Milos are both beautiful locations with friendly people, tasty food and great herps. It was a great trip with great people! I would like to thank everybody involved and to thoroughly recommend these destinations!

References

Uetz, P., Freed, P. and Jirí Hošek (eds.), The , http://www.reptile- database.org, accessed [22/10/18]

Nilson, G., Andrén, C., Ioannidis, Y., and Dimaki, M. (1999). Ecology and conservation of the Milos viper, Macrovipera schweizeri (Werner, 1935). Amphibia-Reptilia, 20(4); 355-375.

Adamopoulou, C., Valakos, E. D. and Legakis, A. (1997). Notes on the diet and reproduction of the Cyclades Blunt-nosed Viper, Macrovipera schweizeri (WERNER, 1935). Herpetozoa 10 (3/4): 173-175.

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Dissection of a (Gray, 1845): identifying cause of death in a rare captive lizard.

M.E. Landry Green

[email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8313-145X

The Giant Dragon, Gonocephalus contribute to captive knowledge of this grandis (Gray, 1845), is a locally abundant, species. but poorly studied, arboreal Agamid lizard (Fig. 1) found across (IUCN, BACKGROUND 2018). As it is rarely encountered in the pet trade, most individuals are likely wild-caught, Appropriate husbandry was reported for the increasing risks of health issues in captive latter period of the lizard’s known time in specimens. captivity, though prior pet-shop conditions are unverifiable. Multiple females of the species This report outlines observations of a were also kept, none of which showed any dissection of a wild-caught, immature, male signs of ill health. The male appeared healthy G.grandis, estimated 24 months old, held in but rejected food approximately 10 days captivity for approximately 8.5 months before before death and was assist-fed circa. five its death on 25th July 2018. A dissection days premortem. Hours before death the performed the following morning aimed to upper left jaw appeared swollen (Fig. 2) and visually identify any obvious indications of immediately prior to death, its throat turned the cause/s of death, with the intention to pink. The lizard was administered fluid

© James Hicks

Figure 1. Adult male Gonocephalus grandis photographed in its natural habitat in rainforests of Malaysia. At night the lizards perch on thin, terminal ends of branches to avoid predators while asleep. Note the well-developed nuchal and dorsal crests of the mature male and pointed rostrum as typical for the species. Photo © James Hicks, used with permission.

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INTERPRETATION

Respiratory fluid (Table 1, Fig. 3) suggests infection or may indicate presence of electrolytes in respiratory tract. Electrolytes may have entered the trachea pre- or post- mortem, particularly if “vomiting” reflexes occurred prior to death. No swelling/ discoloration of the upper left jaw – as reported premortem by the owner (Fig. 2) - was observed during dissection, so remains unexplained. The premortem pink throat flush may suggest asphyxiation, particularly if the Figure 2. Left side profile of G.grandis pre-dissection – circled area (red) indicates location noted by owner as lizard was in shock when electrolytes/food swollen on the day the lizard died, before the lizard was were administered, however I could identify removed from its enclosure for iodine bath and electrolyte administration. No swelling/discolouration was noted in this no literature to clarify this phenomenon. area during dissection, so swelling remains unexplained. electrolytes orally, and an iodine bath, prior to Rostral damage (Table 1, Fig. 6) appeared death. The owner identified protruding teeth severe but localised, likely the result of nose- on the right jaw, had observed the male nose- rub as reported by the owner. Rostrum rubbing in its enclosure and suggested damage/truncation (Fig. 6A) is also a stomatitis (mouth rot) was present. The symptom of advanced calcium deficiency or deceased lizard was refrigerated until metabolic bone disease, MBD, both of which received by the author and dissected are common in captive herpetofauna immediately upon receipt. (Ackermann, 1998). However, no other symptoms of advanced MBD were observed - DISSECTION bones did not possess a rubbery appearance/ texture and feet showed no swelling (as per Snout-vent-length: 11.71cm, snout-tail- Ackermann, 1998; Cooper and Jackson, length: 32.97cm, though tail-tip absent but 1981), and the owner observed no limb well-healed. There was an unusually high trembling at any stage premortem (pers. volume of saliva-like fluid in/around the comm.). mouth. Thick, white fluid blocked the buccal cavity and was present in respiratory tract Limb wounds (Table 1, Fig. 7) may have been (Fig.3), though absent in digestive tract. caused by injury, though dermal damage may also be a symptom of vitamin deficiencies, Localised green-yellow staining of subdermal also a common condition of captive reptiles abdominal muscle and liver (Fig. 4), indicated (Ackermann, 1998; Mutschmann, 2008). typical post-mortem bile imbibition Right limb joints appeared necrotic with (McGavin and Zachary, 2011). Muscle and evidence of spread (Fig. 7), possibly resulting organs showed no obvious indications of in septicaemia and/or sepsis, though no organ distension, disease or internal parasites, laboratory analyses were performed to though appeared pale (Fig. 3-5). Major confirm this. observations are recorded in Table 1. Possible fungal infection (mycosis) on external ventral surfaces (Fig. 8) may be indicative of high humidity/low ventilation conditions premortem, as seems to be an issue

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E

A A

BB

CC DD

Figure 3. Dissected head and anterior abdominal cavity of G. grandis. Large amount of thick, clear-white fluid in oral cavity (blue arrow). Note bubbles of fluid in the trachea (red arrow), which was moved to the side for this image. A = thyroid/parathyroid glands; B = heart; C = lungs; D = stomach; E = tongue.

Page 12 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 2 1 ) and visible on the liver (1) after (1) after liver on the visible ) and A B . Bile imbibition observed (red arrows) before abdominal cavity is opened ( is opened cavity abdominal arrows) (red before observed imbibition . Bile G. grandis ). Note the 3-chambered heart (2) where two atria (dark) sit anterior to the ventricle (pale). ventricle the to anterior sit (dark) two atria (2) where heart 3-chambered the ). Note B Initial dissection of dissection Initial A 4. Figure ( exposed cavity abdominal

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Table 1. Major observations from dissection of recently deceased Gonocephalus grandis. Body Part Observation/Condition

Buccal cavity Blocked by thick, white fluid

Trachea Contained bubbles of fluid

Numerous ventral (abdominal, throat) scales discoloured (brown) with rough Skin texture; small wound over left hip bone

Rostrum Malformed, truncated; premaxilla absent

Left mandible Maloccluded

Severely protruded from mouth; red discoloration in surrounding muscle Right mandible

One large, solid, fleshy mass present on the skin surface, hard to remove; two masses apparent as lumps under the skin before dissection, yellow in colour, Right forelimb soft, removed and crushed easily; red discoloration of muscle in immediate area and extending distally

Left Open dermal wound on inner elbow joint; no sign of necrosis in subdermal Forelimb muscle

Open dermal wound on inner knee joint; discoloured (black) muscle in the Right hindlimb immediate area and extending distally

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1

D A

E

B

C F

G 2

1cm

Figure 5. Internal organs and body cavity of G. grandis lizard during dissection. A = heart; B = digestive tract; C = abdominal fatty deposits; D = respiratory tract; E = liver; F = gonads; G = kidneys; 1 = hyoid apparatus; 2 = urate removed from rectum.

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A B

Figure 6. Deceased G. grandis, prior to dissection. A: Left side of mouth does not close (red arrow) due to malocclusion of left mandible and protrusion of right mandible (B). Note truncated (“squashed”) appearance of left side of nose (yellow arrow). B: Right head profile showing detached right mandible protruding from mouth (red arrow) with pink discoloration on dental bone. Note the more natural nose shape (blue arrow, also comparable to Fig. 1) in comparison to left side (A). in captive herpetofauna (Cooper and Jackson, However, as I performed a visual analysis 1981). Although mycosis appeared minor, only, parasitic infection, infectious disease Cooper and Jackson (1981) identified five and other health issues cannot be ruled out mycoses in lizards resulting in dermal and any observations/suggestions recorded andsubdermal lesions, tumours and/ here cannot be conclusively implicated in the hyperkeratosis, most of which occurred near cause/s of death or attributed to husbandry damaged skin (ibid.), possibly explaining the issues. As such, laboratory studies and cysts-like masses on the right forearm (Fig. veterinary expertise are recommended in any 7C,E). future scenarios, and more thorough background knowledge of the species and CONCLUSION individual specimen is needed to improve captive knowledge of this rare lizard. Secondary infections can occur through stress in wild-caught specimens in captive environments (Cooper and Jackson, 1981). The lizard’s wild-caught history likely instigated such stress, contributing to any potential infection from observed limb and/or oral wounds. While the wounds may have resulted from injury, deficiency or a combination of both, infection may have spread leading to shock. Respiratory complications in the final moments may have added to the lizard’s deterioration.

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A B C

Torso 3 1 1

2

2 4 D E F

Figure 7. External examination (A-C) and skinned (D-F) limbs of deceased G. grandis. A: Dorsal posterior profile, showing wound between upper and lower right hindlimb (red circle). Left hindlimb showed no similar wounding (blue circle). A small wound noted at the top of the left hip bone (red arrow). B & C: Forelimbs showing wound of inner elbow joint of left limb (B, red circle), and protruding mass at similar site on right forelimb (C, red circle). Right forelimb also presented subdermal masses in the area (C, yellow arrow). D: Left forelimb showed only minor muscular redness in the inner elbow joint (circled red) between upper limb (1) and forelimb (2). E: Numerous solid masses noted in right forelimb (B, blue arrows) with soft consistency of solidified cysts. The largest of these (largest blue arrow) was evident before skinning as a lump under the skin. F: Right hindlimb demonstrated areas of muscular discoloration (circled) between upper (3) and lower (4) limb. Signs of necrotic spread (yellow arrow) extending distally from the wound. Left hindlimb showed no such discolouration (not shown).

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Figure 8. Ventral profile of G.grandis, showing numerous patches of browned scales on abdomen (circled). Some minor areas also noted on the chin (not highlighted here) but limbs, tail and dorsal sides seemed unaffected.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to thank the owner for their co- operation, and James Hicks for his advice and expertise regarding the species.

REFERENCES

Ackermann, L. (1998) The Biology, Husbandry and Health Care of Reptiles. New Jersey, USA: TFH Publications, 972 p.

Cooper, J.E. and Jackson, O.F. [eds.] (1981) Diseases of the Reptilia Volume 1. London, UK: Academic Press, 383 p.

IUCN (2018) The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2018-2. http:// www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed 05/01/2019.

McGavin, M.D. and Zachary, J.F. [eds.] (2011) Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease (5th edn). Missouri, USA: Mosby, 1488 p.

Mutschmann, F. (2008) Snake Diseases: Preventing and Recognising Illness. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Andreas S. Brahm (Edition Chimaira), 306 p.

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First Record of Intraspecific Oophagy in the common Leaf-tailed Gecko Uroplatus fimbriatus (SCHNEIDER, 1797)

1Oliver K. E. Cunningham & Steven J. R. Allain

1Corresponding author: [email protected]

Oophagy is a specific behaviour that occurs in November-February and five times a week at a large variety of predatory and opportunistic other times of the year. This was a staple diet species in the kingdom (Denoël & of gut-loaded 5th instar locusts and brown Demars, 2008). Oophagy is the act of crickets, dusted with Vetark Nutrabol with the consuming the eggs or the undeveloped diet being supplemented with extra calcium (a foetuses of a prey species. This behaviour can pinch or two) during the summer months. The be broken down into two more specific types vivarium was a clear acrylic set-up designed of which both can be observed readily within for arboreal species with a cork bark panel on reptiles. The first of these is interspecific the back, with minimal ventilation to maintain oophagy which is defined as the predation of a high level of humidity. The vivarium itself eggs of another species (Michell & Groves, was approximately 76 cm by 76cm being 122 1993). Examples of this within reptiles are cm tall. Internally the décor consisted of 5 cm snakes of the Dasypeltis, which have deep coarse orchid bark and sphagnum moss evolved to feed exclusively on the eggs of substrate, used to help maintain humidity. birds (Gartner & Greene, 2008). The second Vertical, diagonal and horizontal cork branches branch is intraspecific oophagy and is with varying diameters were fixed in place as described as the consumption of the eggs and climbing apparatus. Artificial foliage was also embryos from the same species, including a added to increase the surface area for activity female’s own eggs and embryos (Michell & and provided cover to minimise stress, when Groves, 1993). Intraspecific oophagy is walking past. technically cannibalism (Miaud, 1993) with the behaviour being recorded in a number of There was no water bowl; instead were species within Gekkonidae but not yet within misted every morning and evening with the genus Uroplatus. We present the first lukewarm water allowing them to drink evidence for this behaviour which was naturally from surfaces within the vivarium. To observed in a captive female during the June of maintain the abiotic environmental conditions 2015. a ‘Reptile radiator’ was mounted on the enclosure ceiling which was controlled with a The female Uroplatus fimbriatus ‘Habistat pulse proportional thermostat’. The (SCHNEIDER, 1797) was approximately 4 basking spot (at the top of the vivarium) was years of age at the time of the incident being maintained at 86-88 °F and the cold spot (in reported. At the time of observation she was line with the lowest perch) maintained at 75 °F housed with her mate, of a similar age. The w e r e b o t h m o n i t o r e d w i t h d i g i t a l geckos were fed twice a week during thermometers. Finally, a 2% UVB tube light was used and controlled during a defined

Page 19 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 photoperiod set on a 12 hour light cycle. A female. The two eggs of which the female night time drop in temperature was to 65 °F consumed were likely to be fertile as both were Fahrenheit for 4 months between November bright in colour and not misshapen, indicating and February. During this period humidity was that they were not ‘slugs’. There were no reduced by misting geckos only once in the changes in the husbandry of the geckos evening, skipping the morning routine. The 12 between any of the times that the female hour light cycle was maintained but overall successfully laid eggs; the pair also had there was a reduction in ambient light through minimal levels of disturbance. The act of the reptile room windows. ingesting infertile eggs has commonly been reported within reptiles (Michell & Groves, The pair has successfully bred in the past with 1993). The infertile eggs of U. fimbriatus are 2-3 clutches of viable eggs being obtained for 3 often attached to a tree or simply dropped to years before the incident, although none of the ground (Svatek & van Duin, 2001), which these eggs made it through the incubation is the behaviour expected if the eggs were period. The pair failed to successfully breed indeed infertile. again after the clutch mentioned in this report was laid. The female unexpectedly dropped a In the all-female gecko species Lepidodactylus pair of eggs whilst a Zoo Med Reptibator Egg lugubris, individuals have been observed Incubator was being prepared as it was not consuming their own eggs after they have been known that the female was due to lay disturbed (Michell & Groves, 1993). This is imminently. The eggs were dropped away from unlikely to be the case in this incident as the the nesting area that had been specifically animals were not disturbed until after the Zoo added to the enclosure for the female’s use. Med Reptibator Egg Incubator had been The nesting area was made from a medium assembled. In other species of gecko, females sized Tupperware container (30 cm long, 30 consume their infertile eggs in order to provide cm wide and 20 cm deep) with hole cut into themselves with energy and minerals (Perry & lid, acting as an entry point. This was Brandeis, 1992). Again, this is unlikely to have positioned at the back of the vivarium to give been the contributing factor which led to the the female some security when it came time to unusual observation as the female was well fed laying. The container was filled 15 cm deep and calcium was supplemented within the diet. with damp vermiculate with a thin layer of Intraspecific oophagy can take place as an moss on top. The moss was used as an unusual form of parental care when performed indicator that the egg laying medium had been by females on their own eggs (Michell & disturbed, alerting the breeder that eggs may Groves, 1993). have been laid at a glance. This set-up had There are multiple hypotheses attempting to been used on numerous previous occasions and explain intraspecific oophagy, each helping to the female readily deposited her eggs within explain different circumstances (Michell & the nesting container. Groves, 1993). Some of these have stood up to It took between 30 and 45 minutes for the first scrutiny, for example, captive females of of the eggs to disappear, after they had been several species of Phelsuma ingested their own laid. After returning to collect the eggs, the eggs after they were damaged experimentally second of the eggs was in the mouth of the (Osadnik, 1984). Interestingly, brooding

Page 20 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 captive females of the prairie skink (Eumeces Gekkonidae). Amphibia-Reptilia, 5(2), septentrionalis) have been observed ingesting 125-134. introduced rotten eggs or eggs that have been Perry, G. & Brandeis, M. (1992). Variation in swabbed with the contents of a rotten egg stomach contents of the gecko Ptyodactylus (Somma, 1989). These observations may hasselquistii guttatus in relation to sex, age, suggest that the behaviour is driven by the need season and locality. Amphibia-Reptilia, 13(3), of the brooding females to avoid predation by 275-282. removing the rotten eggs so the scent does not encourage predators to the female, or to help Polis, G. A. & Myers, C. A. (1985). A survey keep nesting sites clean and free from disease. of intraspecific predation among reptiles and In other species, however, the behaviour may amphibians. Journal of Herpetology, 19(1), be linked to a dietary deficiency of calcium or 99-107. other nutrients that females are able to reabsorb by consuming eggs she has laid. There is the Schneider, J. G. (1797). Amphibiorum possibility of interplay between these factors Physiologiae Specimen Alterum Historiam et which may cause the behaviour to be exhibited Species Generis Stellionum seu Geckonum in other species (Michell & Groves, 1993). Sistens. Frankfurt (Oder).

It may never be known why the U. fimbriatus Somma, L. A. (1989). Oophagous behavior in female mentioned in this report consumed her b r o o d i n g p r a i r i e s k i n k s , Eumeces own eggs, but maybe future reports will help to septentrionalis. Herpetological Review, 20(3), shed light on the mechanisms of the behaviour. 3-4.

REFERENCES Svatek, S. & van Duin, S. (2001). Keeping and Breeding Leaf-Tailed Geckos: The Genus Denoël, M. & Demars, B. (2008). The benefits Uroplatus. Brahmer-Verlag. of heterospecific oophagy in a top predator. Acta oecologica, 34(1), 74-79.

Gartner, G. E. A. & Greene, H. W. (2008). Adaptation in the African egg-eating snake: a comparative approach to a classic study in evolutionary functional morphology. Journal of Zoology, 275(4), 368-374.

Miaud, C. (1993). Predation on newt eggs (Triturus alpestris and T. helveticus): identification of predators and protective role of oviposition behaviour. Journal of Zoology, 231(4), 575-581.

Mitchell, J. C. & Groves, J. D. (1993). I n t r a s p e c i f i c o o p h a g y i n r e p t i l e s . Herpetological Review, 24, 126-130.

Osadnik, G. (1984). An investigation of egg laying in Phelsuma (Reptilia: Sauria:

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An Instance of Dermatophagy in Captive Floodplain Death Adders Acanthophis hawkei (Wells & Wellington, 1985)

Scott Eipper1 & Tyese Eipper1 1Nature 4 You Corresponding authors: [email protected]

It is well known that some species of squamates eat their own slough (Weigel, 1988) it was however mainly thought to be practised largely by the geckos (Greer,1989). It has also been recorded in skinks (Eipper, 2006). This may represent first case of its kind recorded in snakes.

On the 16-11-2016, while tending to enclosures a thirteen month old Acanthophis hawkei (Wells & Wellington, 1985) was observed in the act of dermatophagy (figures 1&2). The skin had dried somewhat after being shed and was torn during the act of consumption. Once Figure 2. Acanthophis hawkei completing completed the snake was observed to then find consumption of shed skin, the skin was digested and subsequent faeces was within the normal and consume the remaining section of skin. characteristics of the species. The snake has not

individual snake has and that the act of cage since consumed its shed skin. The instance maintenance in surrounding enclosures elicited while unusual, may be explained due to the the act. unusually strong feeding response this

Eipper, S. (2006) An unusual food item for a captive Northern Blue-tongue Skink Tiliqua scincoides intermedia. Monitor -Journal of the Victorian Herpetological Society, 15(1), 35.

Greer, A. E., 1989. The Biology and Evolution of Australian Lizards. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Chipping Norton; 264 pp.

Weigel, J.R.,1988. Care of Australian Reptiles in Captivity, Reptile Keepers Association, 144

Figure 1. Acanthophis hawkei mid consumption of cast off pp. shed skin, the skin was attempted to be removed with forceps and tore.

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Aggregation Behaviour in the Common Blunt-headed Tree Snake (Imantodes cenchoa; Linnaeus, 1758) Oliver Thomas 10 Harestone Hill, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 6SX Corresponding author: [email protected]

The common blunt-headed tree snake Upon returning alone after the survey, there (Imantodes cenchoa; Linnaeus, 1758) is a were now only four snakes in the vicinity. The small-medium sized, extremely slender snakes remained motionless for prolonged arboreal snake species in the Dipsadidae periods before one of the snakes in one of the family. Imantodes cenchoa has a wide pairs would move towards the other, while geographic range in the Americas from tongue flicking, and gently tap the other snake southern Mexico to Argentina and individuals at midbody with its head (Fig. 2). The two are regularly encountered at night time in the would then quickly move away from each Ecuadorean Amazon (Bartlett & Bartlett, other. 2003). Here I present an observation of aggregation behaviour of this species Similar behaviour has been observed in the (presumably for breeding purposes). This past whereby a male individual overlooked a behaviour was encountered while out on the male and female mating, and after mating, night of the 19/07/2018 with a group of engaged in pushing and shoving of the other students on a visual encounter survey. The male snake repetitively until one of the survey was taking place on one of the trails in interactors left (Dos Santos-Costa & da costa the Sani reserve, North of the river Napo, in Prudente, 2005). Communal nesting behavior Ecuador (GPS coordinates: 0.4389oS, is another potential explanation for this 76.3114oW, 238m a.s.l). aggregation behavior as this has been recorded in the goo-eating snake (Sibynomorphus The habitat type of this trail is, for the most mikanii), another Neotropical member of part, Tierra firme (unflooded forest). There is, Dipsadidae (Braz & Franco, 2008). There is however, Varzea swamp, characterised by not a huge amount known about the nesting regular flooding during times of rain and ecology of I. cenchoa, highlighting that there is exhibiting more palmy vegetation, within 50m still much to learn about even the most of the trail down a slope. It was a clear night common species. with a half-moon, wet and humid from rain earlier in the day. At 21:27 a pair of I. cenchoa The observation lasted for approximately 15 were encountered at the edge of the trail in a minutes after which time the snakes all moved small shrub around 1.5 m above the ground. away to different parts of the trees, perhaps Basic data were collected such as species, because of my presence, although disturbance GPS, weather and a brief habitat description. was kept to a minimum (red head-torch, At 22:16, while returning along the trail after remained approximately 3 m from snakes). the survey, there were five individual animals Despite there being sexual dimorphism in the within close proximity of each other (<1 m) in snout to vent length (SVL) of sexually mature the same area. The group composed of two males and females (de Sousa et al. 2014; Zug pairs with one other individual close to one of et al. 1979), the snakes were not examined the pairs (Figs. 1 & 2). closely enough (avoiding interruption of the behaviour) to measure this, so it is unclear if this was a single sex or mixed group. This is

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Figure 1. One of the pairs of interacting snakes. Red circles show the heads of the snakes.

Figure 2. The other pair of interactors, shortly before the pushing behaviour.

Page 24 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 the first recorded occurrence of aggregation in Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. I. cenchoa, where this crude fighting behaviour was observed among multiple potential pairs (mating was not observed) in close proximity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I’d like to thank Operation Wallacea for establishing the project and providing the foundation for the surveys, Sani lodge for their hospitality and Steven Allain for his help with the manuscript.

REFERENCES

Bartlett, R. D., & Bartlett, P. P. (2003). Reptiles and Amphibians of the Amazon. University Press of Florida.

Braz, H. B., & Franco, F. L. (2008). Communal egg-laying and nest-sites of the Goo-eater Snake, Sibynomorphus mikanii (Dipsadidae, ) in southeastern Brazil. Herpetological Bulletin, 106, 27. de Sousa, K. R., Prudente, A. L. C. & Maschio, G. F. (2014). Reproduction and diet of Imantodes cenchoa (Dipsadidae: Dipsadinae) from the Brazilian Amazon. Zoologia (Curitiba), 31(1), 8-19.

Dos Santos-Costa, M., A. da Costa Prudente. (2005) Imantodes cenchoa mating. Herpetological Review, 36(3), 324.

Torres-Carvajal O, Pazmiño-Otamendi G & Salazar-Valenzuela D (2018) Reptiles del Ecuador. Version 2018.0. Available from: https://bioweb.bio

Zug, G. R., Hedges, S. B. & Sunkel, S. (1979). Variation in reproductive parameters of three neotropical snakes, Coniophanes fissidens, Dipsas catesbyi, and Imantodes cenchoa.

Page 25 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1

Length Record and Regurgitation Contents of a Sunbeam Snake (Xenopeltis unicolor; Reinwardt, 1827) in Northeastern Thailand

Adam J. Aslam Corresponding author: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION reservoir. Upon capture, it regurgitated two intact common tree frogs (Polypedates Xenopeltis unicolor (Reinwardt, 1827) is a leucomystax) (Figure 1B) that appeared to primitive snake species characterized by have been recently consumed. Just before highly iridescent scales and a dorsoventrally measurement, the specimen ejected a large flattened skull (Smith, 1943; Frazetta, 1999). mass of partially digested meals, including This non-venomous, nocturnal, subfossorial two P. leucomystax, and at least two snake occurs in South and Southeast Asia, unidentifiable anurans (Figure 1C). The total including and the , content expelled was at least six anurans, occupying agricultural areas and lowland however this number is likely closer to ten up to approximately 1000 m (Chan- due to the sheer quantity of partially digested Ard, 2010). It has unusual morphomechanical material. jaw apparatus attributes, including flexibly mounted teeth that allow for hinging or After regurgitation, the snake was measured. rotation (Savitzky, 1983). It weighed 1.05 kg and had a total length of 1.25 m. This is longer than any X. unicolor The first documented case of predation was of reported in literature. Previous maximum a captive specimen taking a frog, and total lengths for wild caught specimens are subsequently eating a frog, lizard or mouse reported as 1.00 m (De Rooij, 1917), 1.145 m approximately once per week (Mertens, (Smith, 1943) and 1.194 m (Bergman, 1955). 1943). Other captive sunbeam snakes were reported to consume a meal every 11.5 days Their unique dentary features maxillae and a on average, never exceeding 18% of their premaxilla that are fused by bone-to-bone total body mass (Cox, 1993). Wild sunbeam connection, rather than by ligaments snakes are known to eat reptiles, amphibians, (Frazetta, 1999). This may prevent the rodents, snakes and birds (Wall, 1921; Smith, possibility of taking large prey, thus 1943; Chan-Ard, 2010; Martins, 2012). necessitating predation on many small prey items rather than one large one (Cox, 1993; OBSERVATION AND DISCUSSION Frazzetta, 1999). While predation on anurans On the night of May 17th, 2018, a reptile has been previously recorded in X. unicolor, survey was being conducted in the vicinity of feeding on such a large scale has not. Prior a small reservoir in the dry evergreen forest of literature had suggested that this species Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve in Nakhon consumes one meal item at a time, however, Ratchasima Province, Thailand. On this night, here we show that this is not always the case a large breeding aggregation of anurans in the (Mertens, 1943; Cox, 1993). Large anuran reservoir and its banks was observed, which breeding aggregations likely prompt mass likely increased the activity of their predators feeding by predators. The sunbeam snake such as X. unicolor. At 21:20, a sunbeam may use these events to “stock up” while prey snake (Figure 1A) was encountered is abundant and distracted by the other sex. approximately 1.5 m from the edge of the Perhaps this particular specimen was able to

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Figure 1. Sunbeam snake and regurgitation contents. A) Specimen after two regurgitation events. B) Upon capture, the snake immediately ejected two frogs. C) Regurgitation contents before measurement includes additional frogs, as well as other unidentifiable digested material. reach a record length by taking advantage of REFERENCES mass feeding opportunities. The sunbeam Bergman, R. (1955) The anatomy of snake’s anatomy coupled with the behavior of Xenopeltis unicolor. Zoologische their prey may encourage the binging activity Mededelingen, 33(22): 209-225. that is observed in this paper. More work on the natural history and predator-prey Chan-Ard, T., Nabhitabhata, J. and Parr, J. interactions of X.unicolor is needed to fully (2010) A field guide to the reptiles of understand their feeding habits. Thailand. Oxford University Press.

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Cox, M. (1993) Some notes on the sunbeam snake, Xenopeltis unicolor. Bulletin of Chicago Herpetological Society, 28(5): 97. De Rooij, N. (1917) The reptiles of the Indo- Australian archipelago, vol. II. Ophidia. Brill. Frazzetta, T. (1999) Adaptations and significance of the cranial feeding apparatus of the Sunbeam snake (Xenopeltis unicolor): Part 1. Anatomy of the skull. Journal of Morphology. 239:27–43. Martins, B. and Rosa, G. (2012) Xenopeltis unicolor Boie, 1827 predation upon Sphenomorphus sp. Taprobanica, 4 (1): 48-51. Mertens, R. (1943) Systematische und ökologische Bemerkungen über die Regenbogenschlange, Xenopeltis unicolor Reinwardt. Der Zoologische Garten, 15: 213-220. Savitzky, A. (1983) Coadapted character complexes among snakes: fossoriality, piscivory, durophagy. American Zoologist. 223: 397–409. Smith M. (1943) The Fauna of British India; Ceylon and Burma, Including the Whole of the Indo-Chinese Sub-region. In: Amphibia and Reptilia. III. Serpentes. Taylor & Francis. Wall, F. (1921) Ophidia taprobanica or the Snakes of Ceylon, Colombo. Cottle.

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Notes on Phyllodactylus palmeus (Dixon, 1968) (Squamata; Gekkonidae); A Case of Diurnal Refuge Co-inhabitancy with Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) on Utila Island, Honduras.

Tom Brown1 & Cristina Arrivillaga1

1Kanahau Utila Research and Conservation Facility, Isla de Utila, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras Corresponding author: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION and Cruz Diaz, 1993: McCranie et al., 2005). Over seventeen years following the The Honduran Leaf-toed Palm Gecko Hemidactylus invasion of Utila (Kohler, 2001), (Phyllodactylus palmeus; Dixon, 1968) is a our current observations spanning from 2016 medium-sized (maximum male SVL = 82 mm, -2018 support those of McCranie & Hedges maximum female SVL = 73 mm) species (2013) in that P. palmeus is now primarily endemic to Utila, Roatan and the Cayos restricted to undisturbed forested areas, and Cochinos archipelago (McCranie and Hedges, that H. frenatus is now unequivocally the most 2013); islands which constitute part of the Bay commonly observed gecko species across Island group on the Caribbean coast of Utila. We report that H. frenatus has subjugated Honduras. The species is not currently all habitat types on Utila Island, having a evaluated by the IUCN Redlist, though practically all encompassing distribution Johnson et al (2015) calculated an occupying urban and agricultural areas, Environmental Vulnerability Score (EVS) of hardwood, swamp, mangrove and coastal 16 out of 20 for this species, placing P. forest habitats and even areas of neo-tropical palmeus in the lower portion of the high savannah (T. Brown pers. observ). On the other vulnerability category. To date, little hand, populations of P. palmeus are left information has been published on the natural increasingly fragmented and out-competed in history of P. palmeus, with much of its ecology their natural habitats. and behaviour remaining unknown. Phyllodactylus palmeus is found active As an additional pressure, it should be noted nocturnally on the bases of tree trunks, on that the site of the following observations was branches, palms and foraging in leaf-litter; being actively deforested in preparation for during the day, individuals can be observed sale and development. Furthermore, it is hiding in cracks, beneath loose peeling bark, located <500 m to a locality known as on the underside of palm fronds, on shaded Pumpkin Hill (16.12003°N, -86.88223°W), hidden segments of trunk, and in porous previously identified as a biodiversity hotspot volcanic coralline rocky outcrops (Köhler, for endemic lizards on the island (Brown et al., 2008; Brown et al., 2018). 2017b, c), as well as the site of previously reported observations regarding P. palmeus Previously on Utila, this species was known to communal nesting behavior at Kanahau Utila inhabit buildings, and human settlements in Research & Conservation Facility high densities, although in recent years, (16.119383°N, 86.884989°W; WGS84) populations have dramatically declined, being (Brown et al., 2018). extirpated from these urban environments due to the invasion of highly competitive Asian OBSERVATION House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) (Wilson

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A)

B)

Figure 1. A) Cryptic Phyllodactylus palmeus seeking refuge beneath bark peel. B) Female Centruroides gracilis with offspring found co-inhabiting the same bark refuge. (Photo Credit: Tom W. Brown) Page 30 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1

On April 4 2018, at 10:30 h, we encountered Previous literature has reported co-inhabitancy seven individuals of P. palmeus occurring of refuge sites between scorpions of the genus within an area of hardwood forest on the Centruroides and anurans (Escalante-Pasos, eastern side of Utila. The composition of the 2017), and between scorpions (Buthidae) and forest was a diverse mixture of flowering lizards () (Al-Johany & Al-Saleh, broad-leaf trees (composed in part by the 2000). To the best of our knowledge, no such identifiable ‘Gumbo-limbo’ tree (Bursera interactions have been previously recorded in simaruba), ‘Encino’ Oak (Quercus oleoides), the infra-order Gekkota, nor concerning female Yellow Hog Plum (Spondias mombin) and Fig scorpions with young. In contrast, scorpions trees (Ficus sp.). The understory was are acknowledged to predate on lizards and dominated by Paurotis palms (Acoelorrhaphe other small squamates (Bauer, 1990), and some wrightii) as well as developing saplings and geckos (e.g. H. frenatus; Brown et al., 2017a) mature vines. Here, we found geckos seeking have been found to predate on other arachnids. diurnal retreat beneath bark peels on the trunks Fundamentally, there have been multiple of mature trees. On one trunk (Girth records where geckos, other lizards and measurement – 285 cm), we counted > 10 bark scorpions have preyed upon each other peels with suitable space to provide refuge (Castilla, 1995; Zlotkin et al., 2003; Pérez et from heights of 0.5 – ca. >10 m. Whilst we al., 2010). were only able to search the suitable sites from 0.5 – 2.5 m (owing to accessibility), we The presented observation is also interesting encountered seven individuals sharing four when considering the degree of maternal care such refuges. At one of these refuges, (1.6 m exhibited by scorpions. Using a closely related above ground), a single adult P. palmeus was species, Shaffer & Formanowicz (1996) found observed occurring alongside an adult scorpion that 65% of female Centruroides vittatus within a cavity created by a bark peel ca. 8 cm carrying young could not be induced to run, wide x 15 cm depth. When first encountered, instead assuming a defensive posture. These the gecko and scorpion were resting adjacent to authors also suggested that the cost of one another in close proximity, neither viviparity and parental care may cause females interacting; but then owing to disruption by the to explore alternative defensive strategies. In flash light, both sought to retreat out of sight support, Miller et al. (2016) later found before a photograph could be taken. To confirm females to be more likely to stand and fight off the observation and the identification of both predators, being more aggressive when species, we proceeded to carefully extract the compared to the males, which would usually scorpion and gecko from the refuge. At this prefer to run. Likewise, the female C. gracilis point, the female gecko (P. palmeus) was in our observations made no attempt to flee captured and measured to provide when disturbed; though most intriguingly, it morphometric data (SVL – 65 mm, Tail – 63 did not consider P. palmeus as a threat or mm, Weight – 7.5 g), then promptly released potential predator. Instead, the reported on the trunk where it retreated to a similar interaction may of facilitated mutual defensive alternative refuge (Fig 1a). The scorpion was benefits, being the first potential example of also then identified to be an adult female Bark protocooperation between a gecko and Scorpion, Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, scorpion species. 1804) (body length ca. 43 mm) (S. Longhorn While not much can be said on the relations of pers. comm., see also Teruel & Myers, 2017), P. palmeus with C. gracilis, the co-inhabitancy additionally found to be tending to her litter of of these unlikely neighbors may not be second instar young (Fig. 1b). infrequent, considering both are found in relative abundance within hardwood forest REMARKS habitats, and appear to share the same primary

Page 31 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 resources such as invertebrate prey and dark Brown, T.W., Maryon, D. F., van den Burg, M. diurnal refuges. P, & Lonsdale, G. (2017b). Distribution and natural history notes on Norops bicaorum ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (Squamata: Dactyloidae) endemic to Isla de We thank the staff and volunteers of Kanahau Utila, Honduras. Mesoamerican Herpetology 4 Utila Research & Conservation Facility for (2): 493–497. their support in documenting species Brown, T.W., Maryon, D. F, & Clayson, S. M. interactions on Isla de Utila. Special thanks to (2017a). Hemidactylus frenatus – DIET. Stuart J. Longhorn for his helpful reviews and Herpetological Review 48 (3): 645-646. advice with scorpion identification, and Steven Allain for his friendly advice regarding Castilla, A. M. (1995). Interactions between publishing. Herpetological research and data lizards (Podarcis hispanica atrata) and collection was performed under a valid permit scorpions (Buthus occitanus) in the issued by Instituto Nacional de Conservación y Columbretes Islands. Boll. Soc. Hist. Nat. Desarrollo Forestal, Áreas Protegidas y Vida Balears, 38: 47-50. Silvestre (ICF), Tegucicalpa, Honduras (Resolución DE-MP-054-2017; Dictamen Escalante-Pasos, J. A. (2017). Incilius valliceps técnico ICF-DVS-169-2017; Dictamen técnico and Leptodactylus fragilis. Sharing refuge with DAP-068-2017). a scorpion. Mesoamerican Herpetology 4 (1): 169-170. REFERENCES Johnson, J. D., Mata-Silva, V, & Wilson, L. D. Al-Johany, A.M. & Al-Saleh S. S. (2000). (2015). A conservation reassessment of the Coexistence of Uromastyx aegyptius Central American herpetofauna based on the (Agamidae) and Leiurus quinquestriatus EVS measure. Amphibian & Reptile (Buthidae). Pakistan Journal of Zoology 32 (3): Conservation 9 (2): 1-94. 189-191. Köhler, G. (2001). Geographic distribution: Bauer, A. M. (1990). Gekkonid lizards as prey Hemidactylus frenatus (House Gecko). of invertebrates and predators of vertebrates. Herpetological Review 32 (1): 57. Herpetological Review 21:83-87. Köhler, G. (2008). Reptiles of Central America. Brown, T. W., Maryon, D, & Lonsdale, G. 2nd ed. Herpeton, Offenbach, Germany. (2017c). Habitat diversification and natural history observations in Norops utilensis McCranie, J. R., & Hedges, S. B. (2013). A (Squamata; Dactyloidae) on Isla de Utila, new species of Phyllodactylus (Reptilia, Honduras. Mesoamerican Herpetology 4 (4): Squamata, Gekkonoidea, Phyllodactylidae) 974-979. from Isla de Guanaja in the Honduran Bay Islands. Zootaxa 3694: 51-58 . Brown, T. W., van den Burg, M. P., Maryon, D. F., & Arrivillaga, C. (2018). Arboreality and McCranie, J. R., Wilson, L. D., & Kohler, G. Diet in Pacific Long-tailed Snakes, Enulius (2005). Amphibians and reptiles of the Bay flavitorques (Squamata: Dipsadidae), and a Islands and Cayo Cochinos, Honduras. Potential Adaptive Hypothesis for Egg Bibliomania, Salt Lake City. 210. Attendance in Honduran Leaf-toed Geckos, Miller, D. W., Jones, A. D., Goldston, J. S., Phyllodactylus palmeus (Squamata: Rowe, M.P, & Rowe, A. H. (2016). Sex Phyllodactylidae). IRCF: Reptiles & Differences in Defensive Behavior and Venom Amphibians 25 (1): 31-34. of the Striped Bark Scorpion Centruroides

Page 32 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 vittatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Integrative and comparative biology 56 (5): 1022-1031.

Nicholson, D. J., Hassal, C, & Frazier, J. A. (2015). Comparison of a native and non-native insular reptile species. Journal of Tropical Ecology 31: 563–566.

Pérez, C. H., Avila, L. J, & Camargo, A. (2010). Predation of Liolaemus huacahuasicus (Squamata: Iguania: Liolaemini) by Brachistosternus intermedius (Scopriones: Bothriuridae) in cumbres Calchaquies, Tucumán Province. Cuadernos de Herpetología 24 (2): 123-124.

Shaffer, L. R. & Formanowicz Jr, D. R. (1996). A cost of viviparity and parental care in scorpions: reduced sprint speed and behavioural compensation. Animal Behaviour 51 (5): 1017-1024.

Teruel, R. & Myers, B. (2017). A new island species of Centruroides Marx, 1980 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from southwestern Caribbean. Euscorpius: Occasional Publications in Scorpiology. No. 252: 1-16.

Wilson, L. D. & Cruz Díaz G. A. (1993). Herpetofauna of the Cayos Cochinos, Honduras. Herpetological Natural History 1: 13-23.

Zlotkin, E., Milman, T., Sion, G., & Werner, Y. L. (2003). Predatory behavior of gekkonid lizards, Ptyodactylus, towards the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus, and their tolerance of its venom. Journal of Natural History 37 (5): 641-646.

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An Annotated Checklist of the Herpetofauna of Cikananga Wildlife Center, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia

1*Nathan Rusli & 2Arfah Nasution

1Indonesia Herpetofauna Foundation, Jl. H. Wahid no. 44 RT 003 RW 05 Desa Kedung waringin Kecamatan Bojonggede, Bogor, Indonesia

2Cikananga Wildlife Center, Kp. Cikananga, Desa Cisitu, Kec. Nyalindung, Sukabumi, Indonesia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The herpetofauna diversity of Cikananga Wildlife Center, West Java, Indonesia, was studied using a rapid assessment survey conducted on 10–19 May 2018, as well as incidental observation from staff and volunteers. All amphibians and reptiles observed were identified and recorded during the nine-day survey in the rescue facility, office complex, surrounding forest, and paddy fields. The results showed that 11 species of amphibians from 5 families inhabit the area, 9 species of lizards and 21 species of snakes were also present in the area. This report constitutes a preliminary checklist and first record of amphibians and reptiles in Cikananga Wildlife Center, West Java, Indonesia. The number of specimens was fewer than expected because of the very short survey period, but we hope to record more species in future studies. Figure 1a. Location of Cikananga Wildlife Center, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. ©PPSC Keywords: Cikananga, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, Amphibians, Reptiles

INTRODUCTION

Despite being one of the most biodiverse regions in terms of amphibian and reptile species, herpetological research in Indonesia has not significantly progressed compared to neighboring countries (Iskandar and Erdelen, 2006). Since 2004 to 2010, numerous numbers of new amphibians were recorded but restricted Figure 1b. Aerial view of Cikananga Wildlife Center and in the Papua region. surrounding areas in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. ©Google Earth

Page 34 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 Floor plan of Cikananga Wildlife Center, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. ©PPSC Indonesia. Java, West Sukabumi, Center, Wildlife of Cikananga Floor plan Figure 2: Figure

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Since 2011, new amphibian records were MATERIALS & METHODS expanded to Java, , , and Sumatra region. Over the last ten years, 53 The diversity of amphibians and reptiles of species of amphibians were newly described, Cikananga Wildlife Center, West Java, and within 2001-2010, several new species of Indonesia (07o 03.390 S 106o 54.695 E, ca. reptiles were discovered, the majority of them 812m asl.) (Fig. 1), was investigated during an in the Eastern region of Indonesia. In last ten expedition for a period of 9 days from 10–19 years, seven new species of reptiles were May 2018. The Cikananga Wildlife Center is discovered in the Moluccas, Sumatra, and Java. located in the district of Sukabumi in the On Java, new species of amphibians and province of West Java, and it is one of the reptiles have been recently discovered, such as largest animal rescue centers dedicated to the the description of Leptophryne javanica conservation of wildlife in Indonesia. The area (Hamidy et. al, 2018), and Cyrtodactylus is located in Kampung Cikananga, Desa Cisitu, klakahensis (Hartmann et. al, 2016). Kecamatan Nyalindung, Kabupaten Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. Covering an area of 14 The varied habitats of West Java are home to a hectares, Cikananga Wildlife Center is divided wide range of amphibian and reptile species. into rescue center/ park area and office area Based on the data from Amphibiaweb (2018) (Fig 2). Both areas consist of re-growing forest and Reptile Database (2018), 108 species of which is dominated by umbrella trees and amphibians and 208 species of reptiles inhabit Calliandra sp. Cikananga Wildlife Center is the island of Java. Herpetofauna inhabit surrounded by cultivated land that dominated various habitats, from primary and disturbed by paddy fields, mixed plantation woodland lowland forest, montane and submontane (teak, Tectona grandis; umbrella tree, forest, streams, rivers, caves, to disturbed Maesopsis eminii; and white Albizia, Albizia habitats such as plantations, villages and cities. sp.), and agriculture plantation (tea and vegetables). Patches of mixed pine forest and West Java is the second largest province in some unmanaged land formed by open Java with the highest human population (Badan understory and bushes are also still Pusat Statistik, 2010), hence putting its present. biodiversity at high risk. However, some amphibians and reptiles are still present in The frogs, lizards and snakes were collected naturally vegetated areas and human- around the office complex, rescue center, along dominated areas. Current herpetological the roadside ditches, forest, rice paddies and a studies, particularly in West Java are limited to lake in the Cikananga Wildlife Center area and natural protected and non-protected areas also in the surrounding forest, plantations and (Riyanto, 2008; Kusrini, 2013; Huda, 2017), rice paddy fields in the area. Most surveys while the human-dominated landscapes yet were conducted at night using visual encounter remain unstudied. survey with a head torch, as it is the standard method for surveying herpetofauna in tropical We recorded the diversity of amphibians and regions (Crump and Scott, 1994; Doan, 2009). reptiles that occur in human-dominated All non-venomous species were captured by landscape at the Cikananga Wildlife Center and hand, while snake tongs and hooks were used its surrounding area in West Java. This study for venomous species. The observation and/or will provide an overview of herpetological collection of diurnal lizards, and carcasses diversity in the southern part of Sukabumi, were performed during the daytime. All where no similar studies have been published. deceased specimens found were fixed in 10% Our study is a preliminary list, and we hope to formalin, preserved in 70% ethanol and later deposited at the CWC Office for future record more species in future studies. reference. To photograph the specimens, we

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I. Gekkonida used a digital camera and macro lens. The main e Hemidactylus X references used to identify the specimens were 1 frenatus Kusrini (2013), de Lang (2017), Rusli (2016), X Das (2010), and Somaweera (2017). All the 2 mutilata amphibians and reptiles from incidental Gekko gecko X observation by staff and volunteers were also 3 confirmed and recorded. II. Agamidae

Bronchocela X X X X X X 1 jubata

Gonocephalu X X 2 s Table 1. List of amphibians and reptiles in Cikananga Wildlife chamaeleonti Center nus Draco volans X X 3

III.Scincidae No Species Location Roadside Office Forested Paddy Lake Park Dasia X Building area Field 1 olivacea

Eutropis X X X X X X 2 multifasciata A.Amphibians

I. Bufonidae IV.Varanidae Duttaphrynus X X 1 Varanus X melanostictus 1 salvator

Phrynoidis X X V. 2 asper Ahaetulla X X X X 1 prasina II.Dicroglossi dae X Fejevarya X 2 formosus 1 limnocharis

Dendrelaphis X X X X X 3 pictus 2 macrodon

Dendrelaphis X Limnonectes X X 4 subocularis 3 microdiscus

Calamaria X Occidozyga X X 5 linnaei 4 sumatrana Calamaria X X 6 schlegeli cuvieri III.Ranidae

Amnirana X X Coelognathus X X 1 nicobariensis 7 flavolineatus

Chalcorana X Coelognathus X X 2 chalconata 8 radiata

Gongylosoma X IV 9 balioderus Microhylidae Microhyla X X X X X 1 achatina Lycodon X 10 subcinctus

V Rhacophorida Oligodon X e 11 purpurascens Polypedates X X X X X 1 leucomystax Oligodon X 12 bitorquatus X 2 reinwardtii Ramphotyphl X 13 ops lineatus

B. Reptilia

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Sibynophis X 14 geminatus was found in the office building. This species is one of the most commonly observed VI.Natricidae amphibians by staff and volunteers. Rhabdophis X X 1 subminiatus asper

Xenochrophis X X 2 trianguligeru s Several adult specimens were found under the dormitory, and also in the forest near the pig VII.Pareidae enclosure. This species is usually associated Parea X X 1 scarinatus with flowing water such as rivers and streams

VIII. (Kusrini, 2013). There is a small ditch/

Bungaru X irrigation canal in the paddy fields (about 70 1 scandidus cm in width) with flowing water, however no

Bungaru X X individuals of this species were recorded there. 2 sfasciatus All individuals were found quite far away from

Naja X X X any source of water. 3 sputatrix

IX. Viperidae

Trimeresurus X 1 albolabris We observed four species of frogs from this family: Fejervarya limnocharis, Limnonectes macrodon, Limnonectes microdiscus and

7 19 7 16 6 27 Total species Occidozyga sumatrana. per habitat Fejervarya limnocharis RESULTS A very common species, highly concentrated in A total of 11 species of anurans from 3 rice paddies. An estimation of roughly over families, 7 species of lizards from 3 families 100 specimens were observed each night in the and 16 species of snakes from 5 families were rice paddies. On several occasions there were recorded to inhabit the Cikananga Wildlife pairs in amplexus. We identified these Center area (Table 1). amphibians by looking at the morphological characters of 5 individuals randomly captured SPECIES ACCOUNTS each night, as well as from clear photographs of incidental observation by staff and Amphibians volunteers. This species is very similar to Fejervarya cancrivora, and inhabits the same Bufonidae habitat type. However, they can be distinguished based on the webbing of the hind Two bufonid species, Duttaphrynus feet. F. limnocharis is not fully webbed; its melanostictus, and , represent web only touches the second subarticular this family. tubercle on the fourth toe, while in F. cancrivora, the web touches the outermost Duttaphrynus melanostictus subarticular tubercle on the fourth toe. An outer This is a widespread and common species; it is metatarsal present in F. limnocharis is absent in adaptable and often occurs in disturbed habitats F. cancrivora. This species is occurs in lowland (Kusrini, 2013; AmphibiaWeb, 2016). Several habitats, rarely above 700 m asl. (Kusrini, individuals were observed each night crossing 2013). the road or on roadsides, and one individual

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Chalcorana chalconota.

Amnirana nicobariensis

Several individuals were observed each night, most often on soil slopes covered with various plant species. One individual was observed inside the office building. Some individuals were observed in or around the turtles and small crocodile enclosures.

Figure 3. Limnonectes macrodon predating a smaller frog on 4th December 2018. ©Arfah Nasution Several individuals were observed each night, Limnonectes macrodon most often on soil slopes covered with various plant species. This species is also commonly A rough estimation of over 30 specimens were observed perching on branches or foliage, observed each night on the banks of the lake. below 2 metres from ground level. Some This species was also abundant in the rice individuals were observed in or around the paddies, an average of 15 specimens were turtles and small crocodile enclosures. A pair in observed each night in the rice paddy fields. amplexus was observed by the pig-nosed turtle This species also occurs in both small and large tank in the evening. turtle and crocodile enclosures. One single specimen was observed predating (presumably Microhylidae C. chalconata) on 4th December 2018 (Fig. 3). One species of microhylid, Microhyla Limnonectes microdiscus achatina, was found on Cikananga Wildlife Center grounds. Three specimens were captured on different occasions. One was found in a puddle on a path Microhyla achatina near a lake, the other two were found in rice paddies. They are found in lowland forest up to Calls from this species were heard in most an elevation of 1400 masl. (Kusrini, 2013). areas of Cikananga Wildlife Center grounds, except in the rice paddies. Several individuals Occidozyga sumatrana were found in leaf litter in various places of CWC grounds. 2-3 individuals were observed An average of roughly 10 specimens were every night in the office building, as well as the observed each night. The majority of leaf litter and forested area surrounding the specimens were found in rice paddies. One was building. This small frog is endemic to Java, found on a rainy night with a missing hind leg, and can be distinguished from a similar in a puddle located on a path near a lake. They species, Microhylapalmipes based on were distinguished from the similar species morphological characters. Webs are absent on Occidozyga lima based on morphological the hind feet of M. achatina, while on M. characters of the ventral. O. sumatrana has a palmipes, 2/3 of the foot is webbed (Kusrini, smooth ventral, while O. lima will have 2013). tubercles dotted around its belly. Ranidae The rhacophorid family is represented here by In Cikananga Wildlife Center, we found two two species, Polypedates leucomystax and species of ranids: Amnirana nicobariensis and

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Rhacophorus reinwardtii. primary forest and human habitations (Das, 2010) Polypedates leucomystax Gekko gecko This arboreal frog is perhaps the most common species of Rhacophoridae on Java. It is We did not find any specimens during the adaptable and often found in disturbed habitats survey, however occasionally the distinctive and in human habitations. One individual was sound of these lizards were heard in the found in the toilet of the office building, and evenings. Staff and volunteers have reported another in the toilet near the crocodiles; both frequent sightings of this species and provided perched on the wall. Several other individuals photographs. There is one individual that is were seen on the fence of the crocodile and seen almost every night in the male dormitory, turtle enclosures, and in foliage all around the one living in the office building tower, and area. several individuals on the walls behind the garage (Ferns, Pers. Comm., 20th December Rhacophorus reinwardtii 2018).

One pair in amplexus was observed on a fence Agamidae of the small crocodile enclosure on 24th April 2018 (Fig. 4). The frogs were observed at jubata around 20:00 at night, with a light shower of rain. Abundant species found sleeping in trees at night and basking during the day. Both adult and juveniles were observed during every survey, roughly 10 specimens were recorded each night. It is common around disturbed and urban habitats, however in most urban areas of West Java such as Jakarta, they have been outcompeted and replaced by Calotes versicolor, which is an introduced species (Risdiana, Pers. Comm., 20th December 2018). C. versicolor was not present during this survey, which is a positive sign for this species. Figure 4. A pair of Rhacophorus reinwardtii in amplexus. ©Nathan Rusli Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus

Two colour variations were observed; a green Reptilia (Lizards) form and a reddish-brown form. Most often Gekkonidae seen basking on vertical trees during the day, and occasionally observed sleeping in the Hemidactylus frenatus foliage at night. According to reports from staff, they have been observed laying eggs Several individuals were observed on trees and under the dormitory.This is a highland species, on walls of buildings. This species is found in montane forest above 600m asl associated with human habitations (Das, 2010). (Yuwono, Pers. Comm., 19th December 2018; Risdiana, Pers. Comm., 20th December 2018). Gehyra mutilata The specimens were distinguished from , a similar species, based Several individuals were observed on walls of on their large nuchal crest and smooth ventral buildings. This species is found both in scales (Das, 2010).

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Another specimen was observed in 2018 running towards a bird cage, around 16:00 during the afternoon (Tielen Pers. Comm., 21th Decemeber 2018). V. salvator was observed swimming in a small stream passing through the paddy fields twice, on 16th and 18th November 2018.

Reptilia (Snakes) Figure 5. A gravid female specimen of Draco volans killed by a domestic cat. We performed an incision to reveal the four eggs contained inside it. ©Nathan Rusli Colubridae

Ahaetulla prasina Draco volans Ahaetulla prasina is a diurnal arboreal snake. A One male was observed roughly 3-4 metres common species, often found resting in trees at above the ground, in a tree near the turtle night. An average of 2-3 individuals were ponds during the day, on 28th April 2018. A found each night. They prefer lowland habitats female found dead after being attacked by a and are commonly found around human domestic cat was collected during the day on habitations as well as agricultural areas (de 16 May 2018. It was gravid with four eggs Lang, 2017) (Fig. 5). Dendrelaphis formosus Scincidae Two individuals were observed. A juvenile was Dasia olivacea found resting on foliage, roughly one meter A single specimen was recorded in a tree in above the ground near the cage shed on the front of the office building based on a evening of 13th May 2018. An adult was found photograph taken in May 2018. The animal on 18th May resting in a bamboo tree roughly 4 was seen basking during the day, roughly 2 meters above the ground across the clinic, near metres above the ground. the gate of the rescue center. They can be distinguished from other Dendrelaphis species Eutropis multifasciata based on the very large eyes and the presence of three black stripes on the posterior (de Lang, Most often observed basking on the ground or 2017). on a tree trunk during the day. One individual was observed at night under a pile of leaves Dendrelaphis pictus near the garage on 12 May 2018, and another two individuals were observed in leaf litter by This is the most commonly encountered the path near the bear enclosures at night on Dendrelaphis species, identified by the 15th May 2018. A juvenile was observed under presence of a light ventro lateral stripe (de a rock by the office building during the day on Lang, 2017). Several individuals were found 22nd April 2018. resting in trees in the rescue center and rice paddies. Both males and females were Varanidae observed; a high concentration of this species was found in trees in or near the small Varanus salvator crocodile enclosures. One single juvenile specimen was observed eating on frog at paddy One individual was observed during the rainy field (15th August 2017) and at the park (15th season in 2012, basking next to the lake. February 2018). A juvenile was observed in the

Page 41 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 rice paddies, sleeping in a tree on 18th May 2018.

Dendrelaphis subocularis

A single specimen collected in 2007 by Drh. Munawar Kholis was preserved in the office building (Fig 6). It was then identified as Dendrelaphis subocularis on 14th May 2018 based on morphological characters. D. Figure 7. Calamaria linnaei found in a ditch on 28th April 2018. ©Nathan Rusli subocularis can be distinguished from other Dendrelaphis species based on the supralabial scales; the 5th supralabial scale is enlarged and markings. Morphological characters used to located under the eye. It is also the only one identify this species were based on information touching the eye, therefore at the same time it provided in de Lang, 2017. is the subocular scale, hence the species epithet “subocularis”. Another morphological feature Calamaria schlegeli cuvieri which distinguishes this species from other Two individuals were observed and collected members of its genus is the presence of black (Fig. 8). One individual was found at night on sutures on its lips. Morphological characters 11th May 2018, slithering on a soil slope by the used to identify this species were based on road outside the fence of the complex area. information provided in de Lang, 2017. Another individual was found dead in front of the food house on 16th May 2018. They were both identified by pholidosis; five scales surrounding the paraparietal, preocular scale absent, and mental not touching anterior chin shields. Other morphological features which can add to certainty of identification are the gradually tapering tail and immaculate yellow ventral. Morphological characters used to identify this species were based on information provided in de Lang, 2017.

Figure 6. A specimen of Dendrelaphis subocularis collected in 2007. Lateral view of the headwhich clearly shows the 5thsupralabial scale and black sutures. ©Nathan Rusli

Calamaria linnaei

A single specimen was found during the day on 28th April 2018 in a ditch next to the office building being attacked by ants (Fig 7). The specimen was identified by pholidosis; it had six scales surrounding the paraparietal, one Figure 8. Calamaria schlegeli cuvieri found slithering on a soil slope on 11th May 2018. ©Nathan Rusli preocular scale, and mental touching anterior chin shields. Other morphological features which can add to certainty of identification are the abruptly ending tail and ventral with dark

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Coelognathus flavolineatus longitudinal lines are present.

One dead juvenile specimen was found on the Lycodon subcinctus road in front of the crocodile enclosures on 19th May 2017. One adult specimen was observed A single adult specimen was recorded in the on 10th August 2018. It was dead and had been park area based on a photograph that was taken half eaten by a predatory animal, possibly a on 14th December 2012. It was distinguished mongoose, which often feed on snakes (Figure from the venomous Bungarus candidus based 9) on the supralabial scales (Das, 2010; de Lang, 2017). This specimen had 8 supralabials; the third, fourth and fifth touching the eye.

Oligodon bitorquatus

A dead specimen was found at the park gate on 25th May 2018. A juvenile was observed on the stairs near the crocodile enclosure on 08th September 2018, and another during the day crossing the road near the clinic on 11th May

Figure 9. A carcass of Coelognathus flavolineatus found on 10th August 2018. ©Arfah Nasution

Coelognathus radiata

An adult specimen was observed on 6th May 2018, presumably foraging for prey animals on a vegetable orchard that was covered by thick grasses. A juvenile specimen was found dead and flattened on the road near the security post on 30th July 2018. We assume it was run over by a vehichle (Figure 10).

Gongylosoma balioderus

One specimen was observed and photographed on the road in front of clinic on a drizzly morning in 2016 (Tielen Pers. Comm., 21st December 2018). It was identified as Gongylosoma balioderus based on the following morphological features from de Lang, 2017; large eyes with round pupil, lips yellowish with black sutures. It is presumably female, as females tend to be more vivid in colour than males, and the white ocelli are more contrasting. It bears no longitudinal lines on the body, which distinguishes it from Figure 10. A juvenile specimen of Coelognathus radiata found dead on road. ©Nathan Rusli Gongylosoma longicauda, in which

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2018. Specimens were identified based on the 2018). It was identified based on its distinctive dorsal pattern. Dorsal colour varies from black orange coloration on the nape, as well as two to brown, with many oblique rows of small dorsolateral stripes running along the body reddish spots. from behind the neck.

Ptyas korros Natricidae

Several individuals were found each night, Rhabdophis subminiatus usually resting in the trees surrounding the paddy fields. They have also been observed This species was commonly found both during resting in trees in the park area near the lake. the day and at night (Pers. Obs.). Staff and The animals were found resting at a range of volunteers often observe them near the clinic, roughly 1-2 metres above the ground, in trees in various locations around the rescue center which grew on a steep slope. During the day, and complex, basking or slithering on the they have been observed several times in ground. One was seen hiding inside a pipe unmanaged grassland with large bushes, as during the day. At night, they are observed well as in agricultural areas. sleeping in foliage.

Ramphotyphlops lineatus Xenochrophis trianguligerus

One specimen was observed during the midday A range of 1-3 individuals were observed every on the stair to the office building on 10th night resting on protruding branches in the January 2018.This is the largest of blind snakes lake. One individual was found slithering in the on Java, and could be easily identified based rice paddies on 18th May 2018 in the evening. on the yellowish head and lower parts, and 12-15 fine zigzag lines on dorsum (de Lang, Pareidae 2017). carinatus Sibynophis geminatus

A single specimen was recorded in the park area based on a photograph that was taken on 15th April 2018 (Fig. 11). The animal was found slithering near the path to the CCBC entrance on a pile of rocks at 14:00 during the day (Beilby, Pers. Comm., 19th December

Figure 12. A juvenile specimen of Pareas carinatus with lighter markings on dorsolateral. ©Nathan Rusli

Both adults and juveniles were observed. Commonly seen at night in various locations around the rescue center (Pers. Obs.). One adult was found in a tree at night next to the garage on 15th May 2018. A juvenile specimen with an unusual pattern was found resting in a bush, roughly 1 metre above the ground on 23rd Figure 11. Sibynophis geminatus observed on 15th April 2018. ©Jonathan Beilby April 2018 (Fig 12).

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climbing on bushes near a vegetable orchard on 10th November 2018 (Fig. 13). One individual was found at night in the rice paddies on 26th April 2018, and another on 10th May 2018. In the past, staff and volunteers have observed this species near the office area, in rice paddies and various places in the rescue center.

Viperidae

Figure 13. Naja sputatrix exhibiting arboreal behaviour, climbing on the bushes near vegetable orchard. ©Arfah Trimeresurus albolabris Nasution Two individuals were observed, both at night Elapidae in trees on steep ledges surrounding the rice paddies. One was found on 26th April 2018, Bungarus candidus and the other on 13th May 2018. This is generally a lowland species, often found in Two individuals were observed. One individual primary and secondary forest. was observed slithering in the otter cage area at night on 24th April 2018. Another was observed DISCUSSION on the same night near the warty pig enclosures. Staff and volunteers have also For the nine-day survey at the Cikananga observed this species in the past. Wildlife Center area, Sukabumi, West Java, we covered 10.2% of amphibians and 13.5% of Bungarus fasciatus reptiles across Java. These are new records of the herpetofauna of Cikananga Wildlife Center, An adult individual was observed on 25th April as it is the first time this area has been 2018 on the side of the road. One juvenile was surveyed. The number of species is less than found crossing the path near the dormitory in expected because of the short observation the morning on 26th April 2018, and another period and climatic factors. Due to the limited slithering on the wall of the slow loris survey period, we could not explore and record enclosure in the evening of 11th May 2018. One all the amphibians and reptiles present in the dead specimen was found on the roadside near area. to the CWC park gate on 12th September 2018. We assumed that combination of urbanization Calliophis intestinalis and elevation are also significantly influenced our result. Cikananga Wildlife Center is A single specimen was found during the day in characterized as a disturbed area, and we could 2016 in a ditch next to the office building. easily find several species of herpetofauna Another specimen was found at the pig commonly found in disturbed habitat, such as enclosure in August 2018. (Tielen Pers. D. melanostictus, F. limnocharis, H. erythraea, st Comm., 21 December 2018). P. leucomystax, H. frenatus, G. mutilata, and B. jubata. It is believed that urbanization, which Naja sputatrix converts the natural habitats into agriculture, Adult individuals were often observed basking human settlements, and roads are major in the afternoon in front of Mess 1 in the contributors to the decline of amphibian and complex area. One single specimen was reptile diversity at some locations observed exhibiting arboreal behaviour, (Lajmanovich et al., 2003; Storfer, 2003;

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Gardner et al., 2007; Rais et al., 2015). which have been introduced to Java, such as Trachemys scripta and Calotes versicolor (Das, Urbanization leads to habitat fragmentation 2010). During this survey, we did not which restrict the dispersal of herpetofauna encounter any non-native species of (Cushman, 2006; Parris, 2006) as well as road amphibians and reptiles, which is a positive kill impacted of vehicular traffic which results sign as there is no competition for native in herpetofauna mortality, jeopardizing the species. In some areas, the non-native Calotes survival of endemic, globally, and locally, versicolor has outcompeted and replaced the threatened species (Amarakoon et al., 2010; native Bronchocela jubata (Yuwono, Pers. Baskaran and Boominathan, 2010; Selvan, Comm., 19th December 2018; Risdiana, Pers. 2011; Arijit et al., 2012; Karunarathna et al., Comm., 20th December 2018). However, we 2013). We noted several road kills on C. did observe a domestic cat kill a flying lizard, radiata, D. melanotictus, A. prasina, C. Draco volans, which was gravid with four flavolineatus, and B. jubata (fig x). The eggs. This is an invasive species which is disturbance of habitat fragmentation also common in the area and poses the threat of contributed to the habitat alteration which push predation towards herpetofauna and other the amphibians and reptiles inhabit the building wildlife such as small birds and invertebrates. area, such as frogs and snakes that commonly found in the building as well as in the ditch. More species were found in the park area (26 species), which provide a re-growth secondary Cikananga is on high elevation (>800m a.s.l.) forest with man-made lake, animal pools, and where less species commonly occurred. The puddles. These bodies of water function as trend of species richness showed a decrease in breeding grounds for amphibians. In and richness with increasing elevation (Watkins et around the wildlife center there are rice paddy al., 2006). More species of herpetofauna occur fields, small streams, and ditches, which are at low and middle elevations, while few exist also important for amphibians and reptiles as at high elevations which consistent with they provide varied microhabitats to live and expected optimum water and energy variables breed in. The office complex also (Malonza, 2015). We highlighted a unique accommodates a significant number of occurrence of herpetofauna in Cikananga amphibians and reptiles (19 species), perhaps where both highland and lowland species are because the office building area still has some occupied this area. Some highland species forested area and is adjacent to the paddy field found is: R. reinwardtii and C.schlegeli, while area. the majority of species found were lowland species. This study aims to create a checklist of herpetofauna in the area, however there have For the baseline data, we only focused on been observations that raise some interesting herpetofauna checklist, yet we found some questions related to their ecology, such as very interesting findings relate to the herpetofauna low density of Hemidactylus frenatus, and the ecology, such as: the population of house behaviour of P. aspera that contradicts from its gecko that not really common inhabit the area common habits. We also recorded interaction P. aspera that contradict from its common between herpetofauna and other animals, such habit (we found this species is more common as the predation of C. flavolineatus by a in area which far from flowing water, whilst mongoose, B. jubata and an unidentified the species usually associated with flowing colubrid snake predated by Crested-serpent water such as rivers and streams (Kusrini, Eagle, frogs and lizards predated by snakes, 2013)). such as Ahaetulla prasina and Dendrelaphis species, and Limnonectes macrodon predating There are several species of herpetofauna on smaller frogs. Further studies on their

Page 46 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 ecology would be interesting to conduct in the West Bengal, India. J. of Applied Sciences in future. Environmental Sanitation 7, 281-286.

Surveying herpetofauna in tropical regions is A m p h i b i a W e b ( 2 0 1 6 ) < https:// difficult because of their cold-blooded nature. amphibiaweb.org> University of California, Many species are cryptic, secretive, and Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed on 10th Feb somewhat unpredictable, which making it 2019. difficult to obtain specimens (Jehle Pers. Comm., 23rd October 2017). A long-term study Badan Pusat Statistik (2010) . Accesed on 08th Dec 2018. herpetofauna, thus we will involve all Cikananga staff and volunteers to help us Baskaran N. and Boominathan D. (2010) Road collect the data from incidental observations. kill of animals by highway traffic in the tropical forests of Mudumalia Tiger Reserve, This checklist is not final, and we expect to Southern India, J. Threat. Taxa 2, 753–759. find more species during future observations. We will use a longer and wider survey period Crump M. L., Scott N. J., (1994) Visual and area so that we can cover a wider range of Encounter Surveys. In: Heyer W. R., Donnelly habitat types. M. A., McDiarmid R. W., Hayek L. C., Foster ACKNOWLEDGMENTS M. S. (Eds). Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity, Standard Methods for We wish to thank the Cikananga Wildlife Amphibians, Smithsonian Institution, Center (PPSC) for providing the facilites and Washington DC, USA. pp. 84- 92. permission to survey on the location, as well as the Indonesia Herpetofauna Foundation (IHF) Cushman S. A. (2006) Effects of habitat loss and Ciliwung Herpetarium who have provided and fragmentation on amphibians: a review and the survey equipment necessary. We would prospectus. Biological Conservation 128, 231– also like to express gratitude to everyone 240 involved in this project, especially the staff and volunteers of PPSC. Last but not least, we Das I. (2010) A Field Guide to the Reptiles of would like to thank several individuals who South East Asia. Oxford: Bloomsbury Natural have assisted in the field, provided important History Publishing. pp: 30, 40, 47, 66, 68, 108. advice, submitted photographs, and contributed to this paper in any other way; Inge Tielen, de Lang R. (2017) The Snakes of Java, Angga Risdiana, Tom Kirschey, Robert Jehle, and Surrounding Islands. Frankfurt: Chimaira Frank Yuwono, drh. Inna Rakhmawati, Bertie Publishing. pp: 56, 73, 83, 92, 131, 137, 140, Ferns, Jonathan Beilby, Milan de Haan. 163,336.

REFERNCES Doan T. (2009) Which Methods Are Most Effective for Surveying Rain Forest Amarakoon A., Nathanael M. R. K. E. S., de Herpetofauna?. Journal of Herpetology. Silva A. (2010) The pattern of reptiles killed by 37:72-81. road traffic on the Anuradhapura-Minhintale Road, Srilanka. Lyriocephalus 7, 81-88. Gardner T. A., Ribeiro M. A., Barlow J., Avila- Pires T. C. S., Hoogmoed M. S., and Peres C. Arijit P., Somenath D., Roy U. S. (2012) A. (2007) The biodiversity value of primary, Seasonal diversity and abundance of secondary and plantation forests for a herpetofauna in and around an indsutrial city of

Page 47 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 neotropical herpetofauna. Biological gradients in Mt Kenya. Zoological Research Conservation 21, 775–787. 36(6), 342-347.

Hamidy A, Munir M, Mumpuni, RahmaniaM, Parris KM. (2006) Urban amphibian Kholik AA. 2018. Detection of cryptic taxa in assemblages as metacommunities. J. Anim. the genus Leptophryne (Fitzinger, 1843) Ecol. 75, 757–764 (Amphibia; Bufonidae)and the description of a new species from Java, Indonesia. Zootaxa Rais M., Akram A., Ali S. M., Asadi M. A., 4450(4), 427-444. Jahangir M., Jilani M. J., Anwar M. (2015) Qualitative analysis of factors influencing the Hartmann L., Mecke S., Kieckbusch, Mader F., diversity and spatial distribution of Kaiser H. (2016) A new species of bent-toed herpetofauna in Chakwal Tehsil (Chakwal gecko, genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 District), Punjab Pakistan. Herpetological (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Jawa Conservation and Biology 10(3), 801-810. Timur Province, Java, Indonesia, with taxonomic remarks on C. fumosus (Muller, Riyanto A. (2008) Komunitasherpetofauna di 1 8 9 5 ) . Z o o t a x a 4067(5): 5 5 2 - 5 6 8 . Taman Nasional GunungCiremai, Jawa Barat. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4067.5.2 Jurnal Biologi Indonesia 4(5), 349-358.

Huda S. A. (2017) Jenis herpetofauna di Cagar Rusli N. (2016) Snakes of Jakarta and its Alam dan Taman Wisata alam Pangandaran Surroundings. Bogor: Bypass Publishing. pp: Jawa Barat. Scientiae Educatia: Jurnal 48-126. Pendidikan Sains 6(1), 41-46. Somaweera R. (2017) A Naturalist's Guide to Iskandar D. T. and Erdelen W. R. 2006. the Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. Oxford: Conservation of amphibians and reptiles in John Beaufoy Publishing. pp: 48-126. Indonesia: issues and problems. Amphib. Reptile Conserv. 4(1), 60–87(e16). Selvan KM. (2011) Observation of road kills on Kambam Kumily Road (NH 220) in Tamil Karunarathna D. M. S. S., Henkanaththegedara Nadu. Zoo’s Print J. 26(3) S. M., Amarasinghe A. A. T., de Silva A. (2013) Impact of vehicular traffic on Storfer A. (2003) Amphibian declines: future herpetofaunal mortality in a savannah forest, directions. Diversity and Distribution 9, 151– Eastern Srilanka. Taprobanica. 5(2),111-119. 163.

Kusrini M. D. (2012) Panduan bergambar Uetz P., Freed P., Hošek J. (eds.), The Reptile identifikasi amfibi Jawa Barat. Bogor: Pustaka D a t a b a s e , < https://reptile- Media Konservasi. pp: 3, 57, 71, 79, 95. database.org>Accessed on 15th Nov 2018.

Lajmanovich R. C., Sandoval M. T., and Watkins J. E., Cardelus C., Colwell R. K., Peltzer P. M. (2003) Induction of mortality and Moran R. C. (2006). Species richness and malformation in nasicus tadpoles distribution of ferns along an elevational exposed by glyphosate formulations. Bulletin gradient in Costa Rica. American Journal of Environmental Contamination and of Botany 93(1), 73-83. Toxicology 70, 612–618. Zug G. R. and Kaiser H. (2014) A new species Malonza P. K. (2015) Patterns of reptile and of four-toed skink (Squamata: Scincidae: Carla amphibian species richness along elevational peroniispecies group) from Pulau Sukur,

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Indonesia, and biogeographic notes on the Komodo.Proceeding of the Biological Society h e r p e t o f a u n a o f F l o r e s a n d of Washington 126(4), 379-392

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Behavioral Ecology of the Indian flapshell turtle Lissemys punctata andersonii (Webb, 1980) in West Bengal, India.

Anweshan Patra

Simultala Conservationists (Foundation for Wildlife) Nalikul, P.S.: Haripal, Dist.: Hooghly, State: West Bengal,India Pin: 71204

Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT aquatic ecosystem as scavengers in the ponds, A study on the ecology of the Indian flapshell rivers and stagnant water and thus keep the turtle Lissemys punctata andersonii (Webb, aquatic systems free from pollution (Rao, 1980) was conducted during the period of July 1985; Hossain and Sarker, 1993). 2015 to July 2017. In this study we observed This study was undertaken to determine the behaviour, food preference, and breeding and habitat, food preferences, feeding behavior, and nesting habitat preference. For the study we breeding behavior of the Indian flapshell turtle, mainly selected the Saraswati and Kananadi L. p. andersonii, along a subsection of the river banks in the Hooghly district. Both rivers Saraswati and Kananadi river banks in the are shallow in depth (≤4 m) and well vegetated. Hooghly district, West Bengal. Both rivers are Keywords: Indian flapshell turtle, Ecology, shallow in depth (≤4 m) and provide lots of Behavior, Habit, Habitat, Breeding. vegetation cover.

INTRODUCTION MATERIALS & METHODS

The Indian flapshell turtle is one of the 22 species of turtles found in India. Three of the Indian flapshell turtle, Lissemys punctate, are currently recognized: L. p. punctata, L. p. vittata, and L. p. andersonii (Bhupathy et al. 2014). We focused our study on the subspecies Lissemys punctata andersonii; WLPA status: Schedule-I. IUCN status: low risk, near threatened (Hanfee, 1999). The Bengali name for the species is Til Kachim. This subspecies is morphologically different than the other two; it has an olive- green carapace and soft body parts, with yellow blotches and hieroglyphs on the carapace and head and neck (Smith, 1931, Webb, 1982). Freshwater turtles, such as the target species, perform a valuable service in the

Figure 1. Body details of Lissemys punctate andersonii

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During the study period July 2015 – July 2017, Hooghly district. Both rivers are shallow in we observed feeding behavior, food preference, depth (≤4 m), and are vegetation rich. We also and made observations on the preferred studied in local swamps, ponds, agriculture breeding and nesting habitats of L. p. fields and gardens. andersonii. DISCUSSION According to The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Habitat: In this study we found that Indian of India, this species is under Schedule-I; flapshell turtle L. p. andersonii preferred removal from the wild, harming or killing this different types of habitat across their life species is a punishable offence. No turtles were cycles. They occur in a variety of aquatic observed in captivity and gut content analysis habitats, ranging from rivers and streams to and gonadal development analysis via reservoirs, marshes, ponds and lakes. We found dissections were prohibited. All research was this species lived under aquatic weeds, floating conducted by visual observations in situ. and semi-submerged vegetation and paddy fields. This turtle has the ability to adapt to a During the study period, we visited our study variety of environmental conditions including sites in the early morning and afternoon, when puddles, drainage ditches and polluted, water- this species could be spotted more easily while retaining areas. Generally, they prefer to stay at basking. If individuals were observed in other the bottom level of water bodies, but time periods, we visually monitored their intermittently browse on the surface of the activities and recorded habitat preferences and water near the bank. At night they migrate behaviours. Most nests we found on or very between aquatic habitats, across land, in search near to agriculture fields. Nests were found by of food or mating partner. Bennett et. al (1970) local farmers and villagers and the locations stated that this species travel overland during were forwarded to us. We collected data about summer in search of suitable aestivation sites nest and clutch, including nest temperature and when water bodies are dried up. In the dry humidity, and conducted daily monitoring.

Ecological study in captivity: We selected two locations for captive study: Chandannagar Rabindra Bhavan, which housed turtles kept in a concrete fountain tank (Subhro Niyogi, 2009) and Jain Swetamber Dadaji's Temple and Garden, Kolkata, where some turtles are kept in the artificial ponds.

Ecological study in nature: Geographically the natural study region is located at the Hooghly district of West Bengal. The area is situated in between Latitude and longitude 22.8859° N, 88.3919° E to 22.9662° N, 88.0650° E. For the study we mainly selected the banks of the Saraswati River and the Kananadi river in

Figure 2. Lissemys punctate andersonii on its terrestrial habitat Page 51 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 season (December- May) the turtle was found (Gramentz, 2011). In our study, we found that in burrowing condition in moist, dry soil (but L. p. andersonii mate from May to July. Their avoided sticky, damp soil). mating is aquatic; males swim circularly around the female while also extending his Basking Behavior: In this study we found that head and limbs and bobbing its head. We L. p. andersonii basked for a period of time occasionally observed the males gently bite or every day. Generally we found this occurred stroke on the anterior edge of the female’s most frequently in the early morning and carapace. The females would reciprocate by afternoon, but will also bask midday following bobbing her head in return. period of cloudy weather. Turtles were found basking on submerged logs, sand bars on the In this study, we observed that L. p. andersonii bank of water bodies, rocky surface near water build their nests from June to August. bodies and also concrete staircases of the Generally, the female turtles made their nests domestic ponds. We conclude that L. p. in moist sandy soil by digging with their sharp andersonii use four different types of habitat: claws and neck. They selected the riverbanks 1. Aquatic habitat 2. Basking habitat 3. (20-25m higher than the water line) for their Browsing habitat and 4. Burrowing habitat. nesting sites. During our study period, we found five nests made in September. The nests Feeding Behavior: Turtle species are important were positioned entirely on the sandy in the control of larval and adult stages of riverbank; the hatchlings emerged in May after aquatic insects, aquatic vertebrates, trash fish an incubation period of approximately 235-250 (low economic value fish), mollusk, other days. The average clutch size was 12-17 eggs. detritus and beneficial organisms (Fugler, One of the five clutches was rescued from 1984). As per previous studies, the Indian poachers and reburied in the nest but, flapshell turtle Lissemys punctata is unfortunately, no hatchlings were born. We carnivorous in nature (Auffenberg, 1981; suspect the eggs were internally damaged due Vijaya, 1981; Hossain and Sarker, 1993). to change of axis. However, in our study we found that L. p. andersonii is an opportunistic omnivore. The CONCLUSION turtle was found browsing in the bottom layer According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 of the shallow water bodies and extending its of India, L. p. andersonii is under Schedule-I. neck in search of prey. We observed in our IUCN status: low risk, near threatened. study that L. p. andersonii consumed adult However, this species is still very much frogs, tadpoles, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, affected by illegal poaching and hunting. earthworms, insects, water plants, carrion and Turtles are consumed by some people as a fragments thereof. In our captive study region, source of protein and as a delicacy (Rao, the turtles were fed rice, bread, biscuit, sweets 1986). Still now, in many markets of India, and flowers thrown by the visitors. turtle is covertly sold as food. In market a Breeding Behavior: The reproductive cycle of kilogram of turtle meat can be sold for a L. punctata differs according to geographic minimum of $6.24 USD (400 INR). In region and it seems that it is closely correlated addition, this species is threatened by various with monsoon seasons and heavy rains types of pollution and urbanisation creating

Page 52 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 pressure on the species; through habitat loss, Gramentz, D.( 2011) Lissemys punctata - the nest destruction through unethical human Indian Flap-shelled Turtle. Frankfurt am Main: activities, people illegally occupying bank of Edition Chimaira, 280 pp. rivers and streams for agriculture purpose and Hanfee, F. (1999) A WWF-India Field Guide to the bleaching of the water bodies to increase Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises of India . fish production. In conclusion, the freshwater TRAFFIC-India /WWF-India, 18 pp. turtle population is declining due to over- exploitation, habitat destruction and from Hossain, M.L. and Sarker, S.U. (1993) hunting for their consumption as food. This Freshwater turtles of Bangladesh. Bangla study is a small step towards the conservation Academy Biggan Patrica, Dhaka, 20(1): of this species by helping develop our 109-120. understanding of their behavior and ecology. Rao, R.J. (1985) Management of crocodiles ACKNOWLEDGMENTS and turtles in wetland sanctuaries, India. Tigerpaper, 12(4): 1-5. I want to thank the local people of the study area for co-operating with us and providing Rao, R.J. (1986) Freshwater turtles foods and shelter during bad weather; to conservation in National Chambal Sanctury. Kaliram Sabbar and Rahul Sabbar for helping Tigerpaper, 13(3): 28-29. monitor this species in situ; to Mousumi Das for helping with data analysis; and finally to Smith, M. A. (1931) The Fauna of British Vishal Santra (Wildlife researcher) for India, including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia inspiring me. and Amphibia. Vol. I. Testudines. London: Taylor and Francis, 1:185 pp. REFERENCES Subhro Niyogi Oct 14, (2009) “Rare turtles Auffenberg, W. (1981) Behaviour of Lissemys rescued from govt institute” | TNN |, 02.06 punctata (Reptilia, Testudinata, Trionychidae) A M . I S T . U R L : h t t p s : / / in a drying lake in Rajasthan, India. J. Bombay timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Rare- Nat. Hist. Soc., 78(3): 487-493. turtles-rescued-from-govt-institute/articleshow/ 5121953.cms. Bennett, D.H., Gibbons, J.W. and Franson, J.C.. (1970) Terrestrial activity in aquatic turtle. The Wildlife Protection Act, (1972) URL Ecology, 51(4):738-740. http://www.wbbb.nic.in/Legislations/rules/ Bhupathy, S., Webb, R. G. and Praschag, P. The%20Wildlife%20(Protection)%20Act, (2014) Lissemys punctata (Bonnaterre 1789) – %201972.pdf. Indian Flapshell Turtle. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105), 5(76) : 1-12. Vijaya, J. (1981) Successful Artificial Breeding of Lissemys punctata Granosa (Smith) J. Fugler, C.M. (1984) The commercially Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 79: 210-211. exploited Chelonia of Bangladesh. , Ecology, Reproductive biology and Ontogeny. Webb, R. G. (1982) Taxonomic notes Bangladesh Fish. Int. Bull., 2(1): 1-52. concerning the trionychid turtle Lissemys

Page 53 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 punctata (Lacepède). Amphibia-Reptilia, 3:179–184.

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Fowl Play: A Failed Predation Attempt of an Adult Turkey Meleagris gallopavo (Linneaus, 1758) (Chordata; Phasianidae) by Boa imperator (Daudin, 1803) (Squamata; Boidae) in Cayo District, Belize.

Tom W. Brown

1 Kanahau Utila Research & Conservation Facility, Isla de Utila, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras Corresponding author: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION generalist ‘sit and wait’ predators, which rely The Mesoamerican boa constrictor (Boa on camouflage to ambush unsuspecting prey imperator; Daudin, 1803) is a distinct species which passes by in strike vicinity. A study by occurring from Northern Mexico to north- Boback (2005) stated that “of 54 diet items eastern South America (Hynková et al. 2009), reported in the literature for mainland Boas native to ten countries including Belize and all (Greene, 1983; Smith, 1994; Sironi et al., of Central America (Montgomery & da Cunha, 2000), only 18% (10) were birds”. Despite 2018). Numerous subspecies populations are birds (mainly passerines) being a widely recognised within this range (reviewed by documented prey source of Boidae (Pizzatto et Reynolds and Henderson, 2018), regarding al. 2009), in-situ observations remain relatively substantial variance in colouration, rare (Pavón-Vazquez et al. 2016). The morphology (maximum size) and behaviour following note documents an aborted predation (especially in island populations – see Reed et attempt of an adult domestic turkey (Meleagris al. 2007). Boa imperator occupies a diverse gallopavo; Linneaus, 1758) by B. imperator, range of habitats up to 1500m asl (Savage, and discusses the potential implications of 2002). Throughout the lowlands of Central livestock predation on the human-snake America, B. imperator is often the largest and conflict in Belize. most common snake you could encounter; OBSERVATION females are longer and heavier than males, generally growing up to 3 meters’ total length On 24 August 2018 at ca. 14:30, Lower Dover (Reed and Rodda, 2009). Owing to the Field Station & Jungle Lodge, Unitedville, popularity of this species in the exotic pet Cayo District, Belize (while opportunistically trade, comprehensive information is available documenting herpetofauna i.e. Brown, 2018); a on their natural history and behaviour. large B. imperator (ca. total length > 2.5 meter) was encountered attempting to prey on an adult The diet of Boa Constrictors is known to be turkey (M. gallopavo) in the forest outskirts extremely diverse; consisting of almost any surrounding the property. While the exact time animal they can successfully overpower, kill of capture is unknown, a struggle had been and swallow; exclusively vertebrates, which persisting for some time, as both animals includes both volant and non-volant mammals, seemed exhausted and were bearing injuries lizards, frogs and birds (Solórzano, 2004; Reed consistent with a lengthy skirmish. The adult & Rodda, 2009). Primarily these snakes are male turkey lay restrained and incapacitated,

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Figure 1. Taken at the time of encounter; this photograph depicts the unsuccessful predation attempt of an adult male Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) by a large female Boa imperator. © Tom W. Brown

bleeding from bite marks on the legs and arrived at the conclusion to abandon the catch unable to free itself from the coils of the snake owing the turkeys size. firmly round the underneath of the wing and its Wild/domestic turkeys (M. gallopavo) are the body. The snake (presumably a female owing heaviest of all the Galliforme family, with adult to its great size and relatively small tail) had males having a body size from 3.6-3.8ft, also sustained wounds, i.e. broken skin to the wingspan of 4.2 – 4.8ft and weight from 5.5 – top of the head and body; undoubtedly a result 18.8lbs (Dunning, 2008). Additionally, adult of the turkey pecking and clawing in its male turkeys are known to be especially attempts to be freed. Less than 1 minute after aggressive in self-defence, capable of fending my arrival, the snake began to release and off predators using their beaks, large bodies/ abandon the catch; likely triggered by my wings and spurs on the back legs as weapons. approach and presence in the vicinity. Whether While Boa Constrictors are certainly capable of or not the snake would have continued to succumbing larger prey (Reed & Rodda, 2009), constrict/kill its prey in the absence of an in this instance, it appears the capture observer, remains unknown; though it is circumstance, large size and continued tenacity assumed the snake would have naturally of the turkey proved too ambitious. Upon

Page 56 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 abandonment, the snake was captured and the conflicts between humans and large relocated immediately ca. 150m into the forest, constrictors (Anacondas), suggesting that most sufficiently away from potential future conflict snake killings were not economic or evidence with humans and domestic livestock. After an based retaliations, but considered preventative initial period of shock, the turkey returned to by humans who perceive the snakes as life- full health and showed no prolonged ill-effect threatening. Likewise, despite being harmless from its encounter (besides being wary of the to humans, the large size of B. imperator forest edges thereon). generates the same fear and receives a similar level of persecution in Central America. DISCUSSION While reviewing the diet of some The conflict between humans and snakes is an Belizean snakes, Platt et al. (2016) reported ever growing problem worldwide (Shine & numerous birds as prey items for B. imperator Fitzgerald, 1996; Longkumer et al 2016); an in Belize, as well as four separate records of issue which continues to surge with on-going successful predation on domestic fowl, encroachment and overlap of urban agricultural including chicken, quails and ducks. lands with natural habitats. Intensive Observations reporting domestic fowl/livestock agriculture and urbanisation often results in the in the diet of snakes are considered valuable, as rapid decline of local snake populations they not only illustrate a snake’s opportunistic (especially larger species - see Dodd, 1993). predatory nature, but importantly they Primarily, the conflict between humans and highlight the frequency of human-snake snakes is driven by concerns for ‘human safety interactions and a chief motive for current in work and living environments’ and conflict or retaliation. To the best of my economic interests such as reducing hunting knowledge, this is the first example of a pressures on domestic livestock (Nonga & predation attempt on a domestic adult turkey Haruna, 2015; Chippaux, 2017). However, (M. gallopavo) in Belize and throughout B. despite considerable evidence demonstrating imperator’s wider range. With hope, it is that snakes in urban and agricultural intended that this publication will help spread environments actually provide significant and encourage a wider tolerance, economic benefits and services to local people understanding and appreciation for snakes (Cann 1986; e.g. snakes effectively control inadvertently sharing their habitats with rodent populations which can be otherwise humans. detrimental to crops/livestock and infrastructure); throughout Central America ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (and indeed globally), it is still common I would like to wholeheartedly thank the practice for snakes (as an entire group) to be owners of Lower Dover Field Station & Jungle targeted and ‘killed on sight’ by humans, Lodge; Madison, Justin and Bill Reynolds for usually with a complete disregard to their continued kindness, encouragement and differentiating between a beneficial species or support during my visits to Belize; as well as those which pose an actual risk to human life for the compassion and tolerance they (pers.observ.). Miranda et al (2016) reviewed demonstrate everyday while living/working

Page 57 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 alongside Belize’s local biodiversity and Hynková, I., Starostova, Z., and Frynta, D. wildlife. (2009) Mitochondrial DNA variation reveals recent evolutionary history of main Boa REFERENCES constrictor clades. Zoological Science, 26, Boback, S. M. (2005) Natural history and 623–631. conservation of island boas (Boa constrictor) Longkumer, T., Armstrong, L., Santra, V., and in Belize. Copeia, 4, 879–884. Finny, P. (2016). Human, snake, and Brown, T.W. (2018) A rapid assessment and environmental factors in human - snake quick guide to the herpetofaunal (Reptile & conflict in North Bihar - A one-year descriptive Amphibian) diversity at Lower Dover Field study. Christian Journal for Global Health, 3. Station, Unitedville; Cayo District, Belize. 36. 10.15566/cjgh.v3i1.77. ResearchGate (Unpublished online PDF). DOI: Miranda, Everton B P, Raimundo P Ribeiro-, 10.13140/RG.2.2.34103.62881/1 -Available- and Christine Strüssmann. (2016) The Ecology https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ of Human-Anaconda Conflict: A Study Using 325010886_A_rapid_assessment_and_quick_g Internet Videos. Tropical Conservation uide_to_the_herpetofaunal_Reptile_Amphibia Science 9 (1): 43–77. https://doi.org/ n_diversity_at_Lower_Dover_Field_Station_U 10.1177/194008291600900105. nitedville_Cayo_District_Belize (Accessed 31/01/19) Montgomery, C.E. and da Cunha, O. (2018) Boa imperator. The IUCN Red List of Cann, J. (1986). Snakes alive. Kangaroo Press, Threatened Species 2018: Sydney. e.T203879A2771951. http://dx.doi.org/ Chippaux J. P. (2017) Incidence and mortality 10.2305/IUCN.UK. due to snakebite in the Americas. PLOS 2018-2.RLTS.T203879A2771951.en. Downloa Neglected Tropical Diseases, 11: 6. ded on 29 January 2019. e0005662.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd. Nonga, H. E. and Haruna, A. (2015) 0005662. Assessment of human-snake interaction and its Dodd, C. K. J. (1993) Strategies for snake outcomes in Monduli District, northern conservation. In Snakes: ecology and behavior, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, ed. R. A. Seigel & J. T. Collins. McGraw-Hill, 17 (1). http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v17i1.9 New York, pp. 363-94. Pavón-Vázquez, C., Gray, L., White, B. and Dunning, J. (2008). CRC Handbook of Avian Harrison, A.S. (2016) Nature Notes. Boa body masses. CRC handbook of avian body imperator Daudin 1803. Diet. Mesoamerican masses, 2. 10.1201/9781420064452. Herpetology, 3, 490-493.

Greene, H.W. (1983) Boa constrictor (Boa, Pizzatto, L., Marques, O.A.V. and Facure, K. Béquer, Boa Constrictor). In: Janzen, D.H. (2009) Food habits of Brazilian boid snakes: (ed.), Costa Rican natural history, pp. 380–382. overview and new data, with special reference University Chicago Press, Chicago.

Page 58 Captive & Field Herpetology Volume 3 Issue 1 to Corallus hortulanus. Amphibia-Reptilia, 30, 533-544. Savage, J. M. (2002) The amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica: a herpetofauna between Platt, S. G., Rainwater, T.R., Meerman, J.C. two continents, between two seas, Chicago, and Miller, S.M. (2016) Nature Notes. Notes Illinois, USA, University of Chicago Press. on the diet, foraging behavior, and venom of some snakes in Belize. Mesoamerican Shine, R. and Fitzgerald, M. (1996) Large Herpetology, 3, 162–170. snakes in a mosaic rural landscape: The ecology of carpet pythons Morelia spilota Reed, R.N., and Rodda, G.H. (2009) Giant (Serpentes: Pythonidae) in coastal eastern Constrictors: Biological and Management Australia. Biological Conservation, 76 (2): Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment 113-122. https://doi.org/ for Nine Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas 10.1016/0006-3207(95)00108-5. and the Boa Constrictor. U.S Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia. Sironi, M., Chiaraviglio, M., Cervantes, R., Bertona, M. and Rio, M. (2000) Dietary habits Reed, R.N., Boback, S.M., Montgomery, C.E., of Boa constrictor occidentalis, in the Cordoba Green, S., Stevens, Z. and Watson, D. (2007) Province, Argentina. Amphibia Reptilia, 21, Ecology and conservation of an exploited 226-232. insular population of Boa constrictor (Squamata: Boidae) in the Cayos Cochinos, Smith, E. N. (1994) Biology of the snake fauna Honduras. In: R.W. Henderson and Powell, R. of the Caribbean rainforest of Guatemala. (eds) Biology of the Boas and Pythons, Unpubl. Master’s thesis, University of Texas at 389-403. Eagle Mountain Publishing, Eagle Arlington, Arlington, Texas. Mountain, Utah. Solórzano, A. (2004) Serpientes de Costa Reynolds, R.G. and Henderson, R.W. (2018) Rica: Distribución, Taxonomía e Historia Boas of the world (superfamily Booidae): A Natural / Snakes of Costa Rica: Distribution, checklist with systematic, taxonomic, and Taxonomy, and Natural History. Instituto conservation assessments. Bulletin of the Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio), Santo Museum of Comparative Zoology, 162, 1-58. Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica.

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Ingestion of a Discarded Foam Ear Plug by a Wild Lesser Black Whip Snake (Demansia vestigiata; De Vis, 1884) in Central Province, Papua New Guinea

1Tom Charlton

1Corresponding Author: [email protected]

The lesser black whip snake, Demansia unlikely (O’shea 1996). Here I report an vestigiata (De Vis, 1884) is a small (<1.2m) unusual case of the ingestion of a discarded member of the elapid family, native to foam ear plug by D.vestigiata in Central Australia (Western Australia, Northern Province, Papua New Guinea. Territory and Queensland) and South-Eastern Papua New Guinea (Central Province, Western On 26th July 2018 at 15:40 h I was called out to Province and National Capital District). This collect an adult male lesser black whip snake fast-moving diurnal species of snake is (SVL 755 mm, TL 1022 mm, weight 76 g) that common in lowland areas of dry open had been injured by a local grass cutter grassland, heath and woodland, and can working along a road verge within the vicinity frequently be encountered in and around of Lea Lea, Central Province, Papua New human settlements. It typically feeds on lizards Guinea. The surrounding habitats consisted of and frogs. Bites from the lesser black whip open grassland, isolated pandanus groves and snake can result in localised pain and swelling, saltmarsh, interspersed with several blocks of though serious envenomation is considered commercial warehouse buildings. The snake was retrieved from within a small patch of vegetation on a road verge where it had taken refuge after being struck by grass cutting machinery, and was situated approximately two metres from the road edge. Injury to the head of the snake was visible along with a large open laceration on its flank (Figure 1). Despite being alive at the time of capture, the individual died shortly after being brought back to our facility. A dissection of the deceased snake revealed that it had consumed a discarded foam ear plug measuring 32 mm (Figure 2). No evidence of prey was found amongst the stomach contents.

Although in this instance it can be determined that death was the result of extensive injuries sustained from grass cutting machinery, the ingestion of discarded waste products is known to cause mortality in snakes (Strine et al. 2014). Disposable foam ear plugs are frequently used for hearing protection by local contractors and workers, and various other forms of waste pollution is a common sight

Figure 1. Adult male Demasia vestigiata showing injuries around local habitats. The unusual case caused by grass cutting machinery

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Research 5: 284-286.

Figure 2. The discarded foam ear plug retrieved from the stomach of the adult male Demansia vestigiata reported here highlights the importance of proper disposal of all waste products following use in order to prevent potential harm to wildlife, including snakes.

REFERENCES

O’shea M T. (1996) A Guide to the Snakes of Papua New Guinea. Independent Publishing Limited, Port Moresby, PNG. 152-153

Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2010) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd. 474

Strine, C., Silva, I., Crane, M., Nadolski, B., Artchawakom, T., Goode, M., Suwanwaree, P. (2014). Mortality of a Wild King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah Cantor, 1836 (Serpentes: Elapidae) from Northeast Thailand after Ingesting a Plastic Bag. Asian Herpetological

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Book review – King Cobra: Natural History and Captive Management

Richard Southworth

Corresponding author: [email protected]

King Cobra: Natural History and Captive Management. Tom Charlton (2018). Natural History Publications (Borneo), A913, 9th Floor, Wisma Merdeka Phase 1, PO Box 15566, 88864 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. 151 pp. ISBN 978-983-812-183-5. UK £35.00 (hardback).

Among snakes, the king cobra (Ophiophagus It is difficult to think of any detail regarding hannah) is in a class by itself in many ways. It king cobras that Charlton overlooks. The first is the longest venomous snake in the world; it part delves into such information as how to is the only species in its genus (barring any distinguish a king from similar Asiatic species, new species identification from future what species it is known to feed upon, how taxonomical work); and it is the only snake geography impacts its distribution, the effects known to build a nest for its eggs. It preys and treatment of a bite, and whether the almost exclusively on other snakes: even other existence of the largest recorded individual – venomous species are fair game. Within its allegedly owned by London Zoo in the late range, it is greatly feared for its size and 1930s – can be verified. Wherever possible, venom, rather unfairly as it causes far fewer there is plenty of precision in the facts human fatalities than many of its elapid presented, down to the typical size of a nest. cousins. Such a unique and fascinating species The book also makes note of where solid thoroughly deserves a book to itself, and information is currently lacking, particularly British herpetologist and photographer Tom with regards to young king cobras, which are Charlton has provided an excellent example. especially elusive.

As indicated by the title, the book is split into The opening of the second part makes it clear two main parts. The first explores the king that a reptile keeper looking to own a king cobra’s natural history, covering its original cobra should already have several years’ worth scientific description, distinguishing features, of experience with venomous snakes. distribution, behaviour, and of course, its However, the author still maintains the same uneasy relationship with humans and the level of detail in explaining what he considers research being done to conserve it. In the to be best practice, presenting information so second part, Charlton applies his extensive that every facet is considered and any reader experience to describe how best to manage this can understand, whilst also highlighting the species in captivity, including proper housing challenges involved, and that personal safety and handling, captive breeding, and how a king and the wellbeing of the animal are priority. cobra may be gradually persuaded to eat Charlton also takes care to note that rodents rather than more expensive and less “opinions…vary from keeper to keeper, and a easily obtained feeder snakes. balanced viewpoint should be considered at all times.”

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Charlton writes in a straightforward style that is easy to follow, and illustrates the book with a wide range of clear and relevant photographs. Most of the points made in the text have at least one excellent accompanying photograph to visually demonstrate them to the reader. This aids in fully appreciating both parts of the book: the variability and complexity of the king cobra’s morphology, habitat and behaviour in the first part, and of its captive management in the second.

In conclusion, King Cobra: Natural History and Captive Management is a book to be recommended to anyone with an interest in snakes; even those who are not currently intending to keep a king cobra will still gain a full appreciation of this exceptional animal.

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